The Beauty of Balance: Proportions and Plastic Surgery

Proportions and plastic surgery

Facial plastic surgery continues to advance with new technology and innovations in surgical approaches, patients have more options than ever before. While there are many different reasons why people may choose to undergo plastic surgery, one of the most common goals is to improve the harmony of the face and proportions. When analyzing the face I take into consideration the upper third of the face which spans from the glabella to the hairline, the middle third of the face which spans from the glabella to beneath the nose, and the lower third of the face which extends to the chin. When one of these horizontal thirds is out of proportion to the other, our eye is drawn to the asymmetry. Some patients’ faces may be heavier on the top or the bottom, making them have a heavy brow bone or a prominent.  

We also take into consideration the vertical fifths of the face when looking for harmony between facial features. For example, in a Caucasian patient, the width of the nose should be the same width as the eye. However, facial features and proportions must be adjusted when we discuss patients of different ethnicities. Asian or African American patients will have a wider base to their nose than someone of Caucasian descent.  Overall, in facial plastic surgery, we aim to create a harmonious balance between all features to enhance the overall appearance of an individual. 

Proportions are important because they can significantly impact how a person is perceived. For example, if someone has an over projected and large nose, but an undersized and small chin, their face may look unbalanced or disproportionate. Their nose may appear larger and more projected than it actually is. By addressing the chin as well as the nose, a plastic surgeon can create a more harmonious balance between the two features, resulting in a more attractive overall appearance. When I meet with patients for consultation, I look at the main concern that they are presenting in the context of the proportion to their face. For example, if a patient wants to decrease the size of their nose, I may also recommend chin augmentation to balance the face. Similarly, if someone has prominent cheekbones but a weak chin, they may be a candidate for a chin implant to create a more balanced and proportionate appearance. 

There are many other examples of where people may want to improve proportions. Some of the most common areas for the face are the brow bone, nose, chin, cheeks, and lips. In each case, the goal is to create a more balanced and proportionate appearance.  

When it comes to facial plastic surgery, there are three main categories of procedures that can help improve proportions: facial surgeries, facial procedures, and spa treatments. Let's take a closer look at each of these categories. 

Facial Plastic Surgeries: 

Facial plastic surgeries are designed to address a variety of issues related to the proportions of the face. Some of the most common procedures include chin augmentation with a chin implant, cheek augmentation, rhinoplasty, and facelift/neck lifts. In fact, facial contouring is a popular option that addresses the overall balance of the face, focusing on the cheek, jawline, and chin as a whole. The goal of facial plastic surgery is to change the proportion of the face to be more favorable in relation to your overall features while still maintaining a natural appearance.  

Spa Treatments: 

While surgery is often the best option for dramatic improvements, there are also spa treatments that can help improve proportions. These include hyaluronic acid filler,  SculptraCoolSculpting, and Form Sculpt EM. While these treatments may not provide the same level of results as surgery, they can still help to improve overall proportions and create a more balanced appearance. 

Proportions play a critical role in plastic surgery. By improving the balance and symmetry of different features, plastic surgeons help patients achieve their desired appearance and enhance their overall sense of self-confidence. Whether it's through facial surgeries, body surgeries, or spa treatments, there are many options available for those looking to improve their proportions and achieve their aesthetic goals.  

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0869281001683149615.jpgDr. Bethany Powers

Dr. Powers completed undergraduate training at Washington State University honors college. After medical school at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. Powers completed a highly subspecialized Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgical residency at the University of Wisconsin. This program is nationally recognized as a leading academic center, producing excellent surgeons and clinicians. Following residency, Dr. Powers completed a highly competitive fellowship within the prestigious American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, Irvine.


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