The Ideal Face As Defined By The Beauty Triangle

What does the ideal face look like and how do we define it?

Japanese cosmetic company Shiseido conducted a research by interviewing 10,000 women in Japan and across Asia to find the common factors that define an ideal face. The women were given 15 mugshots and asked to pick the face they think is the most beautiful. The results revealed that an ideal face is shaped like an inverted triangle, with large, well-defined eyes and full lips.

Many theories have been proposed as a guide for cosmetic surgeons and aesthetic doctors to help restore and create an ideal face. A popular and simple theory is the concept of the "beauty triangle".

The Beauty Triangle

 Photo source : Wallpaperslot

The "beauty triangle" can be demonstrated on Scarlett Johansson, one of the most beautiful actress in Hollywood and star of recent movie, The Avengers.

A youthful face mimics the shape of an inverted triangle – the “beauty triangle”, framed by the cheekbones and chin. It consists of a narrow lower face compared to the midface (cheeks). As we age, our face gradually sags with jowls forming and the lower half of the face becoming square rather than the upside down triangle associated with a young face. This results in an inversion of the beauty triangle. The loss of facial cheek fat and bone resorption contribute to this aged look. 

Photo source : WDW

The photo on the left showed a young Val Kilmer in Top Gun. On the right, aging and weight gain caused his lower face to look wider, like an inverted "beauty triangle". Jowls and excess fat deposits in the lower face can also be seen.  

How to Achieve the "Beauty Triangle" Without Surgey

To correct the inverted triangles of aging, dermal fillers can be injected into the cheeks and upper face to restore loss volume. Skin tightening treatments such as Ultrasound and Radiofrequecy technology can also help to lift sagging skin.

Photo source : Restylane

 Cheek augmentation with dermal fillers, also known as the "liquid face lift" aims to replace volume loss in the upper and midface secondary to aging.

 Photo source : Restylane

Younger patients with naturally flat cheeks can also benefit from dermal filler injection to achieve the "beauty triangle". 

For patients with a square jawline because of bulky masseter muscles (chewing muscles), Botox can be injected to shrink the muscles to achieve a slimmer lower face.

Photo source : sohu.com   

Dramatic changes can be seen in a young patient after Botox facial reshaping.

The key is to gently restore or recreate facial contours according to the concept of the "beauty triangle" and not to alter the facial features dramatically.

New Attitude Towards Cosmetic Treatments

Acquiring cosmetic treatments is no longer the exclusive domain of the rich and famous, nor is it considered a sign of self-indulgence. Today, taking steps to improve one's appearance is considered an investment in health and well-being and is socially acceptable as it is personally gratifying. 
 

According to a recent survey released by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS), an overwhelming majority of Americans think that cosmetic procedures are more accepted today than it was five years ago, with almost as many stating that this shift in perception has made them more comfortable about "getting work done" themselves. The study also found that 67 percent of Americans would not be embarrassed if friends and family knew about their cosmetic surgery. It sounds like gone are the days when cosmetic treatments was a heavily guarded secret.

 Photo source : Atrisia, Emotive Potraits

Hypothetically, would it make you uncomfortable to have friends and family know that you have had cosmetic treatments?

One of the most accepted non-invasive procedure is Botox. It is undeniable that Botox has received its recognition due to usage among celebrities - as a Hollywood “open” beauty secret. According to People magazine in 2008, “This increasing openness about Botox among celebrities may have something to do with its growing popularity”. 

Photo source : David Steinberg/ AP File 

Former American Idol judge, Simon Cowell humorously remarked, “To me, Botox is no more unusual than toothpaste. It works; you do it once a year. Who cares?

 

While women account for the majority of cosmetic procedures, more men are opting for these treatments now. Men are figuring out what women have long known - that appearance really does matter. Some of them may also be motivated by competitive issues such as maintaining an edge in a youth-dominated work environment. 

 Photo source : Allergan

 Before and after photos for Botox to treat brow furrows, a procedure commonly performed in men.