Commentary on: The Value of Averageness in Aesthetic Rhinoplasty: Humans Like Average Noses

Darwin’s theory of natural selection provides an important framework to understand the role of physical appearance in daily life. The theory can also be used to understand the desire for aesthetic procedures that improve facial appearance. The basic tenets of the theory suggest that the primary goal of all species is survival via successful reproduction. Identification of a mate who can facilitate this is a central objective of many behaviors. Over time, certain physical characteristics have evolved to signal reproductive potential to others. Several of these characteristics, namely markers of youthfulness, symmetry, and averageness, are considered markers of attractiveness and also of reproductive potential.

Although the appeal of youthfulness and symmetry is intuitively understood by many individuals, others are surprised that averageness is also seen as a marker of attractiveness. Beauty is typically seen as a trait that is well above the average—its radiance stands out from the rest. However, in this context, averageness is used to describe the size and/or shape of individual facial characteristics. The results of the present study focused on the attractiveness of the nose illustrate this point.¹ From a sample of facial images, a mathematically averaged composite image was formed. A panel of respondents rated the composite image as being significantly more attractive than the ratings of the individual images that made up the composite.

These findings replicate those from other, larger studies of this issue. Composite faces made of hundreds of thousands of faces are also judged to be more attractive than the individual faces themselves. However, the most beautiful of the combined faces in these studies are far from average. The most attractive faces are petite in size, with a smaller than average mouth and jawline, full lips, pronounced eyes, and an average-sized nose.

There is growing evidence to suggest that our preferences for facial beauty, and our dislike of disfigured faces, is hardwired into our brains, much like the instinctive “fight or flight” response when a physical threat is encountered. At the same time, there is little question that sociocultural influences also play a role in our preferences for specific faces and individuals. Some of these factors, such as the influence of parents and peers, are shaped in early childhood. Although exposure to mass media depictions of physical beauty also begin in childhood, their impact on our preferences is likely greatest in adolescence and early adulthood. Experiences with romantic relationships during this time also provide important feedback on how our own physical appearance is perceived and responded to by others.

These and related issues are of great interest to social psychologists who focus their research on the role of physical attractiveness in daily life. These issues clearly should also be of interest to aesthetic surgeons and other professionals who are drawn to consider what motivates patients to pursue an aesthetic treatment. Many patients are likely unaware of the biological drives and life experiences that have come together over time and brought them to the consultation room. Nevertheless, these issues should be kept in mind as the provider evaluates the new patient’s motivations and expectations for an aesthetic procedure and assesses and manages a patient who experiences psychological distress following a successful treatment.

Disclosures

Dr Sarwer currently has grant funding from the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Disease (R01-DK-108628-01); the Department of Defense; and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA CURE). He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation. He has consulting relationships with Ethicon (Somerville, NJ), Merz (Frankfurt, Germany), and Novo Nordisk (Bagsværd, Denmark).

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this article.

REFERENCES

Author notes