The "Orbital Oval Balance Principle": a Morphometric Clinical Analysis

Background: The aim of this study was to test the validity of the "Orbital Oval Balance Principle", a system of analysis and guideline that is used among aestheticians, artist and make-up artist to create and design aesthetically pleasing eyebrows for optimal upper facial appearance. According to this principle, a face is optimally attractive when the eye is centered in an "oval" defined by the lid-cheek junction and the eyebrow. Methods: One hundred participants were asked to rank digital morphed images of four female models with four different peri-orbital proportions: higher or lower lid-cheek junction versus higher or lower eyebrow position. In addition, the participants were asked to quantify seven emotions on these morphed images. Results: A higher lid-cheek junction was rated as significantly more attractive with a lower eyebrow position, and a lower lid-cheek junction was regarded far more attractive in combination with a higher eyebrow position. Moreover a higher lid-cheek junction was rated as more attractive than a lower lid-cheek junction and elevation of the lid-cheek junction improved the perceived emotions such as tiredness and sadness. Conclusion: This study lends support to the Orbital Oval Balance Principle that can provide important insight into facial attractiveness to surgeons undertaking procedures intended to improve and rejuvenate facial appearance. Moreover, this study has also shown that a high(er) lid- cheek junction is not only regarded as more youthful and attractive, but that it also may reduce the appearance of tiredness and sadness. There has been no financial support and there are no financial interests. Corresponding author: Prof dr. B. van der lei, M.D., Ph.D., University and University medical School of Groningen, The Netherlands. PO box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen. info@berendvanderlei.nl ; b.van.der.lei@umcg.nl ©2018American Society of Plastic Surgeons