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

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.