Symmetrical faces have long been seen as an example of beauty, and non-surgical cosmetic procedures can help create this. But are you symmetrical?
Symmetrical faces have long been seen as an example of real beauty and many celebrities are hailed for their mirror-image good looks. In reality however, a perfectly symmetrical face is quite rare; no face is completely equal.
Facial Symmetry Theories
Do you have clients that say they have a ‘better side’? Then they’re probably not symmetrical. Facial symmetry has long been perceived as beautiful, and the more equal a face is, the more likely it is to be perceived as attractive. But when people head to your cosmetic clinic for non-surgical cosmetic procedures to even themselves out, it is important to tell them that very few people are symmetrical.
Some biologists feel that symmetrical faces are seen as more attractive as they signify high genetic quality and developmental stability. Symmetry however may be affected by stress factors when developing which would override this genetic appearance. For example, a fall could create a broken nose.
There is of course another theory that symmetrical faces are perceived as more beautiful simply because they are easier on the eye – quite literally. The human visual system processes these images easier and more quickly than it does asymmetric pictures.
There have been many studies into this using composite images and face-half mirroring, but so far results have been mixed. Some tests have even found that symmetry is a sign of good health.
Apart from physical beauty, some people also believe that the symmetry of your face can dictate your personality. Those with more symmetrical faces are said to be more extroverted, less neurotic, more conscientious and agreeable. Other qualities of symmetry include: sociability, intelligence, and energy. We’re not sure if we believe this though.
Treatments to Improve Symmetry
If, after a consultation with you, a patient still wants to go ahead with a non-surgical cosmetic procedure to make their appearance more symmetrical, they have a few options:
Botulinum toxin – This can be injected into the face to relax certain areas. For example: If one eyebrow is higher than the other, by relaxing the muscle lifting it, better symmetry can be achieved.
Dermal Fillers – Most people when they smile will have a slightly lopsided mouth, with one side of the lips fuller than the other. This is quite natural and is often affected by how the mouth closes around teeth. Lip fillers can be injected in order to plump up the flatter section, but care should be taken not to overdo it. This treatment is also very good for those with one lip much thinner than the other. Dermal fillers can also be used to improve symmetry between one side of the face and the other, and also to correct asymmetry of the nose.
Chemical Peels – If a patient has an uneven skin tone or wants to smooth out the skin’s surface then this is a great option for an all-over even result.
Facial Symmetry Photos
The photographer who took the featured shots above is Julian Wolkenstein, a 38 year old from Exeter, Australia. He took photos of 11 people in total and then mirrored each side, before laying each reflection next to one other.
Wolkenstein got such a huge response from his photos that he is now helping you to create your own mirror images. If you are now wondering whether your face is symmetrical, download the app Echoism, and see for yourself. Are you symmetrical?