Decoding the Golden Ratio of beauty - Times of India (2024)

Amber Heard has been in the news again, this time for having ‘one of the most perfect faces’, according to the

Golden Ratio

of Beauty Phi. An old post about a 2019 study by popular facial cosmetic surgeon Dr

Julian De Silva

from London, has been making rounds after the Depp-Heard verdict. Dr Julian’s study puts Amber third on the list of most beautiful women in the world, while Bella Hadid leads the list.

However, many have called out the study for setting illogical beauty standards at a time when body positivity is being embraced.
What is the Golden Ratio of Beauty?
In the Renaissance era, artists like

Leonardo Da Vinci

, as well as architects used a mathematical equation to make their artwork scientifically perfect. It is denoted by the Greek letter 'phi'. Years later, scientists developed mathematical formulae and software to analyse facial features. Dr Debraj Shome, senior cosmetic surgeon and director, The Esthetic Clinics, explains, “First, the length and width of the face are measured, followed by dividing the length by the width. Then three other segments, namely the space between the hairline to a spot between the eyes, space from between the eyes to the bottom of the nose, and from the bottom of the nose to the bottom of the chin, are measured. If the numbers are equal, a person is considered more beautiful. Finally, statisticians measure other facial features to determine symmetry and proportion.”

As per Dr Julian De Silva’s 2019 study, these actresses had the highest percentage of accuracy with the phi:
Bella Hadid: 94.35%
Beyonce: 92.44%
Amber Heard: 91.85%
Ariana Grande: 91.81%
Taylor Swift: 91.64%
Facial symmetry is sought after, but facial proportions can’t be similar for all: Cosmetic surgeons
With an added boost from various facial symmetry filters on social media apps, cosmetic and plastic surgeons receive a good number of enquiries for such amendments. “Presently, many people have turned to cosmetic amendments which are in sync with the Golden Ratio. In that respect, many people have opted for rhinoplasty, as the nose is the central feature of the face. Various facial implants are also used to heighten the perceived attractiveness and overall harmony of the face,” shares Dr Anup Dhir, plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon from Apollo Hospital. He adds that most of the clients seeking corrections are from the age group of 35-45 years. Experts believe this perfection can be achieved. "This can be attained using sculpting hyaluronic acids and botulinum toxin to help shape the face. There are several modalities including surgical intervention available for the same," says Dr Sonali Kohli, Consultant Dermatologist, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital

For some, the ratio may not be known, but the pursuit of symmetry still brings them to the professionals. Dr Sushil Nehete, consultant plastic surgeon at Wockhardt Hospital in Mumbai, shares, “Most clients do not know about the ratio, but they come to get that symmetrical face and are ready to undergo plastic surgery for the same. Many people opt for rhinoplasty, eyelid lift, chin, cheek, or jaw reshaping, facelift, and lip augmentation in that regard.” While the ratio may look like it applies to all, doctors believe otherwise. “Every face doesn't have to respect all proportions. The ratio is a good indicator of trying to transform a face. But that doesn't mean we sit with calipers and try to restructure everyone’s faces as per a particular mathematical proportion,” says Dr Debraj.
Such pursuit for perfection may impact mental health: Experts
On the other hand, mental health experts believe that at a time when many are trying to promote body positivity and acceptance of oneself, such standards of beauty may create an adverse impact on the mental health of many vulnerable youngsters. “Widely publicised standards of beauty in news, social media and pop culture can have a large impact on a section of the population, resulting in more cases of anxiety and poor self-esteem. What follows may be unhealthy eating and exercising patterns, as well as long durations of time checking whether one conforms to the said standard of beauty,” says Dr Sathya Prakash, senior consultant psychiatrist, Institute of Brain & Spine (IBS), New Delhi. He emphasises on diagnosis of eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorders and the likes due to this, thereby leading unhappy and dissatisfied lives. “Many factors like bone structure, the way one’s body stores fat etc., are not considered while trying to conform to these standards. Out of frustration, some may resort to strategies that may be unhealthy or even medically dangerous,” he adds.
The obsession with facial symmetry
This is not the only instance where the world’s obsession with facial symmetry has been highlighted. #Symmetricalface has a whopping 105 million views as per

TikTok

trends, and the ‘Face symmetry’ filter on Instagram has more than 17K reels with over 3 million views. Experts from the field have also ascertained that a good number of clients visit them to attain such a flawless symmetry
Beauty trends that went viral