Shared patterns bring us together, but slight differences make us unique.
Many of the same patterns that appear in nature also appear in your body.
Shared proportions and shapes identify us as human. However, none of us matches any single mathematical ideal.
What has this to do with Medical Aesthetics? Well, quite a lot as it happens!
Have you ever heard of the Golden Ratio?
Some 2,500 years ago, in Ancient Greece lived a man named Phidias. He discovered that dividing a line into two parts, using a ratio of 1: 1.618 creates an appealing proportion. 1.618 is the golden ratio; or phi, named after Phidias.
Having a love of math, I have always found this fascinating.
Throughout history, many famous names have utilized the Golden Ratio in their work. Botticelli and Leonardo Da Vinci applied the golden ratio in their art.
The Golden Ratio – Leonardo Da Vinci
I see the Golden Ratio used everyday in Aesthetics. For example, when creating a facial plan for injections and I use the golden ratio as a guideline.
We may be unaware of it, but we judge beauty by facial symmetry and proportion. We may do this subconsciously, but we all do it. When we see a face that comes closer to this ratio, we perceive it to be more beautiful.
This helps us to plan an aesthetic treatments using the beauty of math. But, how does this work in reality?
I look at the top of the nose to the centre of the lips. I look at the distance from the centre of the lips to the chin. The two are inter-related. The distance from the hairline to the upper eyelid should be as close to 1.618 times the length of the top of the upper eyebrow to the lower eyelid.
When I am treating lips, there is far more planning than just simply adding volume. Any injector can do that! I plan to achieve a ratio of upper to lower lip volume of 1:1.6. The lower lip should have more volume than the upper lip.
While shared patterns bring us together, slight differences make us unique. The golden ratio is a starting point. A guide.
There are many reasons that make us feel how we do. I often hear patients saying that when they look in the mirror what they see does not reflect how they feel. Feelings play a large part in how we perceive ourselves and others.
It is not all about technical skill either. Nature does not always follow the rules of beauty. There is a need for an artistic eye. My aim, and the aim of the MD Codes is to give patients a natural beautiful look.
The effects are subtle but the differences are dramatic.
Aesthetics Consultation should be educational and always complimentary. Patients should leave with a clear understanding and realistic expectations.
