Perception Of Ideal Facial Beauty Among Females In South Indian Dravidian PopulationA Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Introduction:The ideals of beauty, though largely related to symmetry and averageness, is subject to diversions caused by cultural nuances. In this study, we aimed to know the esthetic facial preference of South Indian Dravidian females, to understand whether beauty affects their quality of life and their perception towards cosmetic procedures of the face. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire survey in multiple choice format with 15 questions was distributed online. Only female participants between 16-35yrs of age were included in the study. The 15 questions included the demographic data and aimed at knowing their preference in the following: facial shape, facial profile, shapes of nose, lip, chin and eyebrow, jaw angle. Opinion on the statement "beauty affects the quality of life" and attitude towards cosmetic facial procedures were also questioned. The data was statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: 363 responses which satisfied the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Majority of the participants preferred oval face (31.7%), straight profile (76.2%), narrow chin (51.6%), well defined lips (30.2%), straight nose (33.4%), weak jaw-line (86.2%), well-defined eyebrow (41.7%). Majority of participants believed that beauty does not affect the quality of life and elicited a reluctant attitude towards cosmetic procedures in general but were in better acceptance of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in comparison to the cosmetic ones. Conclusion:The perception of ideal beauty in South Indian Dravidian female population exhibits mild cultural and ethnic differences. The knowledge of cultural/ethnic differences in ideal beauty standards and understanding the esthetic expectations of the population plays a crucial role in providing the most desirable results (both objectively and subjectively) in cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery and the Diversity of Cultural and Ethnic Perceptions of Facial, Breast, and Gluteal Aesthetics in Women: A Comprehensive Review

“…In a study from Thailand, it was determined that Miss Universe had a more projecting nasal tip than Miss Universe Thailand. 19 Han Chinese laypeople, according to an online study, 28 prefer a straight-to-concave nose profile; South Indians also have a predilection for straight noses, 33 and in the Middle East, a small, straight nose is seen as a sign of attractiveness, although this varies by region. 14 …”

“… 11 Exclusive studies on chin aesthetics in various ethnicities are not available. Nonetheless, it has been claimed that the Han Chinese favor round and pointy chins; 28 South India prefers thin chins; 33 and in the Middle East, pointed chins are regarded as signs of beauty. 14 …”

“… 34 Arched brows have been considered signs of beauty in the Middle East; 14 similarly, well-defined eyebrows have been preferred in South India. 33 The criterion of an aesthetically pleasing eyebrow has been the subject of much debate over the years. It has been reported that significant cultural differences exist concerning ideal eyebrow shape and position.…”

“… 74 However, participants in a study conducted in southern India were mostly of the opinion that physical appearance had little bearing on happiness and hence were skeptical of cosmetic operations in general; notably, they were more open to noninvasive cosmetic procedures than surgical ones. 33 …”

“…74 However, participants in a study conducted in southern India were mostly of the opinion that physical appearance had little bearing on happiness and hence were skeptical of cosmetic operations in general; notably, they were more open to noninvasive cosmetic procedures than surgical ones. 33 Ligh et al observed that African patients considered the buttocks the defining feature of female attractiveness and that they were willing to travel more than 100 miles for surgeons with racial and ethnic similarities. 75 They believed that a surgeon of the same race and gender would provide them with a better cosmetic surgery outcome and that diet and 1452 exercise alone were insufficient to meet societal standards of attractiveness.…”