QUEST FOR PERFECTION

OVER the years, many doctors have studied the ideal facial proportions in people.

They have measured and calculated many subjects both female and male, and have come up with many ratios and angles to show the ideal proportions.

Is there such as a thing as the ideal facial proportion or facial features?

Human beings are diverse creatures. We are all born and gifted with different features.

No two persons can be 100% alike, not even identical twins. It is our differences that make us special.

However, there are certain facial features which are more aesthetically pleasing.

These features vary depending on geographical location, ethnicity, culture, societal acceptance, peer pressure and more recently, influence from social media.

Previously, the accepted ideal facial features lean more towards western features. Lately, there is a preponderance towards more softer Asian looks influenced by Korean artistes.

In Malaysia, we have a multi-racial society and our facial features vary according to our ethnicity.

Within each race or ethnicity, there are certain features which are aesthetically pleasing and there are some which are less attractive.

For example, the Chinese tend to not have a double eyelid crease and the majority have low nose bridges.

The Indians have high nose bridges but many have a dorsal hump or bigger nostrils.

As diverse as we are, there are certain facial features which most of us agree upon to be aesthetically pleasing.

These include double eyelid crease, absence of eyebags, high nose bridge with a sharp nose tip, full lips, slim cheeks, visible jawline, prominent chin and non-prominent ears.

All these features can easily be created with the cut of a knife by a properly qualified plastic surgeon.

Double eyelid surgery, eyebag surgery, rhinoplasty, buccal fat reduction, chin augmentation and otoplasty are some of the common surgeries done in Malaysia.

Double eyelid, eyebag and nose surgery (rhinoplasty) are some procedures carried out under local anaesthesia most of the time, and patients can go home immediately after the procedure.

At credible health facilities, these surgeries are performed under daycare surgery with full medical back-up in an operating theatre certified by the Health Ministry.

Thus, patients must always seek treatment by registered and licensed medical practitioners so that they may rest assured knowing their safety is always a top priority.

Dr Yeoh Tze Ming is a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon at ParkCity Medical Centre.