Comparison of the frontal esthetic preferences in the lower facial portion of Koreans and Caucasians.

Aim: To compare the differences in frontal esthetics in the lower face among Caucasian models, Korean models, and Korean nonmodels.

Methods: The sample consisted of three groups comprising 36 Caucasian models, 30 Korean models, and 26 Korean nonmodels. Their frontal photos were scanned, and 12 distances, five angles, lip perimeter, and lip area were measured. Differences among groups were compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test.

Results: There was no significant difference in the upper lip height among the three groups. The Korean models had shorter lower lip to chin height than the two other groups. Full lip width was wider in the Korean and Caucasian models than in the Korean nonmodels. The Caucasian models had greater total vermilion area compared to both Korean groups. Finally, the Korean models had fuller lower and thinner upper vermilion areas than the nonmodels.

Conclusions: Attractive lower facial portions in Caucasians are different from those of Koreans. Therefore, clinicians in Korea should use these data as guidelines for evaluating and enhancing patients' frontal facial esthetics.