The nasolabial angle, formed between the lines connecting subnasale-labrale superius and subnasale-columella, defines the relationship of the upper lip to the base of the nose. Norms adopted in cephalometric analysis according to Segner–Hasund indicate an average value of 110°.

Aim

To assess the correlation between the nasolabial angle and the degree of subjectively perceived facial profile attractiveness.

Material and methods

One profile of a young male and one profile of a young female were selected from a commercial photo bank. The photographs were digitally modified by adjusting the upper lip position relative to the base of the nose in 5° increments, resulting in nasolabial angles ranging from 85° to 125°. A group of 2,085 respondents, including 1,915 laypeople and 170 dentists, evaluated the images in a randomized online survey, rating profile attractiveness on a scale from 1 to 10. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3 (Statsoft, Kraków, Poland). Categorical variables were analyzed with Pearson’s chi-square test.

Results

According to respondents, the most attractive female and male profiles were characterized by a nasolabial angle of 100°. The nasolabial angles for profiles ranked from most to least attractive were as follows: female profile – 100°, 95°, 90°,105°, 115°, 110°, 85°, 120°, 125°; male profile – 100°, 105°, 95°, 110°, 115°, 90°, 120°, 85°, 125°.

Conclusions

The nasolabial angle significantly affects facial profile attractiveness. The results both confirm the narrower range of nasolabial angles between males and females reported in contemporary literature and refute the notion that ideal profile assessment depends on the age group or the sex of the evaluators.