EFFECT OF AGE ON THE ESTHETIC PERCEPTION OF CHIN DEVIATION AMONG LAYPERSONS

Abstract

Facial symmetry is a key factor influencing the perception of facial attractiveness, particularly in the chin region, which serves as a central structure of the face. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of chin deviation on the perception of facial attractiveness among laypersons. In addition, it compared assessments between isolated chin evaluation and overall facial evaluation, and investigated the influence of age on such perception. This cross-sectional study utilized digitally modified facial images with five levels: normal, 2 mm deviation to the left and right, and 4 mm deviation to the left and right. A total of 52 participants aged 21-60 years were recruited. Participants rated attractiveness using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for both the chin region and the overall face. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. The results showed that attractiveness scores significantly decreased as the degree of chin deviation increased (p < 0.05). Even a slight deviation of 2 mm significantly affected attractiveness perception, while a 4 mm deviation resulted in a greater reduction, indicating a negative relationship between the degree of deviation and perceived attractiveness. No significant difference was found between left and right deviations at the same magnitude. Age had no significant effect on overall facial evaluation, although some differences were observed in chin-specific assessments. Additionally, localized evaluation of the chin appeared to be more sensitive to deviations than overall facial assessment.

Keywords: Chin Deviation, Esthetic Perception, Full-face Evaluation