Attention-Grabbing Eyebrows May Have More to Do with Projection Than Shape, ASPS Study Reveals

NEW ORLEANS – It is well known that a properly groomed eyebrow can make an amazing difference in how you look. However, a new study being presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) annual conference, Plastic Surgery The Meeting, October 26-30, in New Orleans, reveals it may not only be the shape of your eyebrows that's got people talking – it may be their projection. According to the study, the projection of your eyebrows can positively impact how others perceive your facial attractiveness.

"The eyes play an essential role in facial attractiveness and beauty and should be surrounded by high walls, similar to the principle of utilizing frames for pictures on a wall," said Eser Yuksel, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study lead author. "Higher walls allow for greater projection of the eyebrow, which we found, correlates to a greater degree of perceived facial attractiveness."

The study measured the surface area and the projection of the soft tissue from the top of the eyelid to the eyebrow, also known as the "oblique frame." Photos of 20 patients, divided into two groups, demonstrating low and high oblique frames were examined. Additionally, preoperative and postoperative photos of 20 patients who had fat injections to increase their oblique frames were examined. Ten subjects were randomly selected to rate the photos, in terms of attractiveness, from a scale of zero to two (0 = unattractive, 1 = no inclination, 2 = attractive). The subjects rated photos of patients with higher oblique frames, as well as, the postoperative photos of patients who had fat injections to increase their oblique frames, as more attractive.

"Proper positioning of the eyebrows has long been a major component to facial rejuvenation procedures," said Dr. Yuksel. "However, this study shows that fat grafting to the oblique frame should also be considered when rejuvenating the face, as it can significantly impact facial aesthetics."

The study, "Sagittal Projection of the Eyebrow Versus Facial Attractiveness," is being presented Sunday, October 28, 10:45 a.m., at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

Reporters can register to attend Plastic Surgery The Meeting, October 26-30, in New Orleans or arrange interviews by contacting ASPS Public Relations at (847) 228-9900, media@plasticsurgery.org or in New Orleans, October 26-30, at (504) 670-4242.