To discover what makes a man or woman attractive, scientists have determined four factors which contribute: youthfulness, averageness, similarity (like-attracts-like), and symmetry. Symmetry could arguably be the most important of these factors because it applies not only to the human face and body, but it is a basic principle in all visible things in our world. The human eye is attracted to symmetry in all forms. Whether a face, car, tree, or painting, our minds gravitate toward more symmetrical images.
Plato theorized that beauty is measured by the “golden proportions.” The golden proportions exist where we see a repetition in the ratio of parts and sums of those parts. Often associated with the “Golden Sprial”, a logarithmic spiral often seen in natural settings such as pine cones, sea shells, and flower petals. Mimicking this pattern creates a natural sense of beauty. If someone’s face matched these specific ratios, then they would be deemed beautiful. Although Plato wasn’t far off, modern studies prove that it isn’t necessary for the face to be highly proportional as long as it is symmetrical. An important point to help understand that small adjustments can sometimes make the biggest difference by creating an aesthetic balance on the face.
Dr. Dayan and his team understand that for a person to feel comfortable in their bodies and exude confidence, they must first feel beautiful. The dark undereye hollows or sagging bags under ones eyes will seldom look symmetrical. However, with proper care and procedures, one can watch unwanted obscurities vanish. Uneven blemishes in the skin from scarring or acne are another incident that leads to asymmetrical appearances. Again, a patient is only a small step away to freeing themselves from these asymmetrical distractions. Creating both balance and symmetry can be created via minor adjustments such as dermal fillers, Botox, or laser treatments.
Facial symmetry not only attributes to beauty and physical attractiveness but to instinctual associations with health and genetic fitness. Although, inside, you may be healthier than a horse and stronger than an ox, if asymmetrical facial features are present, many people won’t ever know. Subconsciously our mind recognize symmetry and assess it as a sign of genetic strength. This is okay if you are happy with yourself and not concerned with the judgment of others. If so, you are a rare breed. Social acceptance is a necessary evil that most will face. Furthermore, symmetry is an advantage. If you’re applying for a job or entering the dating field and symmetry is associated with beauty, health, and genetic fitness, than it seems only natural to grasp such an advantage. Yes, an asymmetrical face may have the better qualifications for a job or make a better spouse. It is true that we shouldn’t always judge a book by its cover, but when it’s scientifically proven that a human will do just that, shouldn’t we use that knowledge and design the best book cover?
Symmetry is obviously not the end all be all of physical success. Many argue that symmetrical facial features are only a result of western culture’s preference and not that of an uninfluenced human. Furthermore, beauty is still recognized in the eye of the beholder. In a study between a college professor and his students, 70% of the class deemed the teacher attractive when he acted kind and friendly. When the instructor was rude, cold-hearted, and unfriendly only 30% of the students found him attractive. This proves that physical attributes are not the only factors a person will judge.
With that said, there are no studies proving a symmetrical face will be determined undesirable if you, yourself, are friendly, confident, and secure with your beauty. Dr. Dayan wants to help patients that can be just as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside. Symmetry is our first step to your lasting beauty.