Assessing the influence of chin prominence on perceived attractiveness in the orthognathic patient, clinician and layperson.

The purpose of this investigation was to undertake an objective and quantitative evaluation of how the degree of chin prominence influences perceived attractiveness. The chin prominence of an idealized profile image was altered in 2 mm increments from -24 to 12 mm, in order to represent retrusion and protrusion of the chin, respectively. These images were rated on a 7-point Likert scale by a pre-selected group of pre-treatment orthognathic patients, clinicians and laypeople. In treatment planning to alter the sagittal prominence of the chin in an individual with an otherwise normal soft tissue facial profile, an 'ideal' sagittal position with soft tissue pogonion on or just behind a true vertical line through subnasale may be used. Chin retrusion or protrusion up to 4mm is essentially unnoticeable. Surgery is desired for chin protrusions greater than 6mm and retrusions greater than 10mm. The overall direction of aesthetic opinion appears to be the same for all the observer groups; the greater the retrusion or prominence of the chin, the less the rating of the perceived attractiveness and the greater the desire for surgical correction.