Contemporary Koreans' Perceptions of Facial Beauty

BACKGROUND: This article aims to investigate current perceptions of beauty of the general public and physicians without a specialization in plastic surgery performing aesthetic procedures. METHODS: A cross-sectional and interviewing questionnaire was administered to 290 people in Seoul, South Korea in September 2015. The questionnaire addressed three issues: general attitudes about plastic surgery (Q1), perception of and preferences regarding Korean female celebrities’ facial attractiveness (Q2), and the relative influence of each facial aesthetic subunit on overall facial attractiveness. The survey’s results were gathered by a professional research agency and classified according to a respondent’s gender, age, and job type (95%±5.75% confidence interval). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 10.1, calculating one-way analysis of variance with post hoc analysis and Tukey's t-test. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 38.3% were in favor of aesthetic plastic surgery. The most common source of plastic surgery information was the internet (50.0%). The most powerful factor influencing hospital or clinic selection was the postoperative surgical results of acquaintances (74.9%). We created a composite face of an attractive Korean female, representing the current facial configuration considered appealing to the Koreans. Beauty perceptions differed to some degree based on gender and generational differences. We found that there were certain differences in beauty perceptions between general physicians who perform aesthetic procedures and the general public. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results provide aesthetic plastic surgeons with detailed information about contemporary Korean people’s attitudes toward and perceptions of plastic surgery and the specific characteristics of female Korean faces currently considered attractive, plus trends in these perceptions, which should inform plastic surgeons within their specialized fields.

Contemporary Koreans' Perceptions of Facial Beauty

BACKGROUND: This article aims to investigate current perceptions of beauty of the general public and physicians without a specialization in plastic surgery performing aesthetic procedures. METHODS: A cross-sectional and interviewing questionnaire was administered to 290 people in Seoul, South Korea in September 2015. The questionnaire addressed three issues: general attitudes about plastic surgery (Q1), perception of and preferences regarding Korean female celebrities’ facial attractiveness (Q2), and the relative influence of each facial aesthetic subunit on overall facial attractiveness. The survey’s results were gathered by a professional research agency and classified according to a respondent’s gender, age, and job type (95%±5.75% confidence interval). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 10.1, calculating one-way analysis of variance with post hoc analysis and Tukey's t-test. RESULTS: Among the respondents, 38.3% were in favor of aesthetic plastic surgery. The most common source of plastic surgery information was the internet (50.0%). The most powerful factor influencing hospital or clinic selection was the postoperative surgical results of acquaintances (74.9%). We created a composite face of an attractive Korean female, representing the current facial configuration considered appealing to the Koreans. Beauty perceptions differed to some degree based on gender and generational differences. We found that there were certain differences in beauty perceptions between general physicians who perform aesthetic procedures and the general public. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results provide aesthetic plastic surgeons with detailed information about contemporary Korean people’s attitudes toward and perceptions of plastic surgery and the specific characteristics of female Korean faces currently considered attractive, plus trends in these perceptions, which should inform plastic surgeons within their specialized fields.

Photogrammetric Analysis of Attractiveness in Indian Faces

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess the attractive facial features of the Indian population. We tried to evaluate subjective ratings of facial attractiveness and identify which facial aesthetic subunits were important for facial attractiveness. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 150 samples (referred to as candidates). Frontal photographs were analyzed. An orthodontist, a prosthodontist, an oral surgeon, a dentist, an artist, a photographer and two laymen (estimators) subjectively evaluated candidates' faces using visual analog scale (VAS) scores. As an objective method for facial analysis, we used balanced angular proportional analysis (BAPA). Using SAS 10.1 (SAS Institute Inc.), the Turkey's studentized range test and Pearson correlation analysis were performed to detect between-group differences in VAS scores (Experiment 1), to identify correlations between VAS scores and BAPA scores (Experiment 2), and to analyze the characteristic features of facial attractiveness and gender differences (Experiment 3); the significance level was set at P=0.05. RESULTS: Experiment 1 revealed some differences in VAS scores according to professional characteristics. In Experiment 2, BAPA scores were found to behave similarly to subjective ratings of facial beauty, but showed a relatively weak correlation coefficient with the VAS scores. Experiment 3 found that the decisive factors for facial attractiveness were different for men and women. Composite images of attractive Indian male and female faces were constructed. CONCLUSIONS: Our photogrammetric study, statistical analysis, and average composite faces of an Indian population provide valuable information about subjective perceptions of facial beauty and attractive facial structures in the Indian population.

Four Flaps Technique for Neoumbilicoplasty

The absence or disfigurement of the umbilicus is both cosmetically and psychologically distressing to patients. The goal of aesthetically pleasing umbilical reconstruction is to create a neoumbilicus with sufficient depth and good morphology, with natural-looking superior hooding and minimal scarring. Although many reports have presented techniques for creating new and attractive umbilici, we developed a technique that we term the "four flaps technique" for creating a neoumbilicus in circumstances such as the congenital absence of the umbilicus or the lack of remaining umbilical tissue following the excision of a hypertrophic or scarred umbilicus. This method uses the neighboring tissue by simply elevating four flaps and can yield sufficient depth and an aesthetically pleasing shape with appropriate superior hooding.

Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flaps for Reconstruction of Recurrent Trochanteric Pressure Ulcer

The reconstruction of recurrent pressure sores is challenging due to a limited set of treatment options and a high risk of flap loss. Successful treatment requires scrupulous surgical planning and a multidisciplinary approach. Although the tensor fascia lata flap is regarded as the standard treatment of choice-it provides sufficient tissue bulk for a deep trochanteric sore defect-plastic surgeons must always consider the potential of recurrence and accordingly save the second-best tissues. With the various applications of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps in the reconstructive field, we report two cases wherein an alternative technique was applied, whereby pedicled ALT fasciocutaneous island flaps were used to cover recurrent trochanteric pressure sores. The postoperative course was uneventful without any complications. The flap provided a sound aesthetic result without causing a dog-ear formation or damaging the lower-leg contour. This flap was used as an alternative to myocutaneous flaps, as it can cover a large trochanteric defect, recurrence is minimized, and the local musculature and lower-leg contour are preserved.

Diagnosing Micro Foreign Bodies with the Microscope

The microscope is a surgical instrument with wide use in plastic surgeries more often than other departments due to the high rate of microscopic surgeries. Unfortunately, because the microscope is used mainly for digital replantations and free flaps, the utilization rate is low compared to the price and usability of the microscope itself. From September 2013 to March 2014, a foreign body which was untraceable with radiology in a patient who desired surgical exploration (one case), and a foreign body which was detected but was smaller than 3 mm (two cases) were removed using the microscope. All foreign bodies, which were fish bone, thin metals, or wooden objects, matching the history of the patients, were completely removed without damage. There were no complications and patient satisfaction was high through follow-up. We have described the microscope as the last and optimal examination tool in removal of micro foreign bodies. A simple change of thought, so that the microscope can be used as a second diagnostic tool will decrease complications by foreign bodies.

Intratendinous Ganglion of the Extensor Digitorum Tendon

Ganglion cyst is the most common benign tumor arising from the hand and wrist. Rarely, they are found within the tendon. To date, only 10 cases in English papers and 7 cases in domestic papers on ganglion cysts in extensor digitorum tendons have been reported. Due to the rarity of this entity, it is difficult to suspect intratendinous ganglion fully based on the physical examination. Accordingly, preoperative studies such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging are recommended when suspicious result is revealed on the physical examination. Treatment should include en bloc resection of the affected tendon to reduce recurrence. But functional loss always has to be considered. This study reports two cases of intratendinous ganglion cysts that arised from the second and fourth extensor digitorum tendon.

A Ganglion Cyst of the Temporomandibular Joint

No abstract available.

Different Perceptions of Facial Attractiveness According to Race and Gender

There have been few studies investigating the differences in the perception of facial attractiveness according to gender, races and ethnicity. This study was conducted to determine whether different races or genders show actual differences in the perception of beauty. Using 5 composite faces of different races, this survey was designed on 486 participants from different races and ethnicities. Photographs of the composite faces were displayed on a large poster at Incheon International Airport and passersby were asked to take part in the survey regarding which composite face was the most attractive. Data were statistically analyzed to determine differences in beauty perception in terms of gender, race and ethnicity. There were significant differences in the perception of the most attractive face and the least attractive face according to gender. There were significant differences in the perception of the most and least attractive face according to race. Multivariate analysis also revealed that there were different perceptions of facial attractiveness according to ethnic backgrounds. The results of this study suggest that the perception of facial attractiveness may differ according to gender, race and ethnicity, and that some unique or peculiar patterns of beauty perception may exist.

Absorbable Plate as a Perpendicular Strut for Acute Saddle Nose Deformities

BACKGROUND: Nasal pyramid fractures accompanied by saddle nose deformities are not easily corrected by closed reduction. We used an absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut to support the collapsed "keystone area" and obtained good results. METHODS: Between September 2008 and June 2011, 18 patients who had nasal pyramid fractures with saddle nose deformities underwent surgery. Pre- and postoperative facial computed tomographic images and photographs were taken to estimate outcomes. The operative technique included the mucoperichondrial dissection of the nasal septum, insertion of an absorbable plate prepared to an appropriate length to support the "keystone area", and fixation of the absorbable plate strut to the cartilaginous septum. RESULTS: Functional and esthetic outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. Eleven patients assessed the postoperative appearance of the external nose as 'markedly improved' and 7 patients as 'improved'. The 5 surgeons scored the results as a mean of 4.5 on a 5-point scale. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut requires no additional procedures because the plate is gradually absorbed. The mechanical strength provided by a buttress between the "keystone area" and the maxillary crest lasts for a long time before the strut is absorbed.

A Study on Preferred Morphologic Feature and Proportion of Facial Aesthetic Subunit by Korean General Public

PURPOSE: As the influence of mass media increases, the general standard of attractiveness or beauty of a face also changes. The primary purpose of the study is to find out the factors of the attractive and beautiful face recognized by public. METHODS: We picked out standard model photography and operated with Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) and Monariza(R) virtual plastic surgery program. The contour of face, eye, nose, forehead, zygoma, chin and proportion of upper, middle, lower face were changed. The interview survey was conducted through structured standard photo for 310 respondents. That was utilized in the final analysis. Multiple regression analysis was executed by SPSS 12.0. It was used to deal with statistical data and all the other necessary analysis. RESULTS: According to general characteristics of the respondents, many differences were found in preferred face and facial aesthetic subunits. The younger generation preferred the lozenge and inverted triangle shape contour. The respondents over 40 of age preferred the egg shape contour. In chin and zygoma contour, the respondents at the age of 20 preferred distinctly small chin and relatively small lower face. On the other hand, the respondents over 40 of age preferred the wide zygoma relatively. In the proportion of upper, middle, lower face, 51.0% of respondents answered 1:1:1. If they want to have an aesthetic operation, they preferred protruding forehead. Also they preferred the small chin and V-shaped chin in frontal view. CONCLUSION: Many respondents preferred to have a plastic surgery for the better facial subunit. The statistical evidence from this study suggests that the harmony and balance of facial aesthetic subunits make attractive and beautiful face.

Evaluation of Influence of Individual Facial Aesthetic Subunits on the Congnition of Facial Attractiveness in Public

PURPOSE: Authors tried to analyze the influence of individual facial aesthetic subunits on the cognition of facial attractiveness in public and suggest a mathematical model which explain the facial attractiveness. METHODS: Independent facial aesthetic subunits are extracted from facial photographs from three women(11 frontal and 7 lateral aesthetic subunits). Each facial subunits of three women are rated in terms of relative rank by 164 peoples(68 man and 96 woman, average age was 32.4, and ranged +/- 9.8 years). chi-square-test and categorical regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: There was no difference in the aesthetic preference in terms of ages or sexes in large. Beautification of individual aesthetic subunits can predict the overall facial attractiveness up to 42.1% in frontal face(Adjusted R2=0.421, F=6.39, p=0.000<0.05) and 22.7% in lateral face (Adjusted R2=0.227, F=4.42, p=0.000<0.05). Aesthetic appearance of eyes(p=0.001), upper face(p=0.034) in frontal face and midface(p=0.000) in lateral face are statistically important factors in the cognition of facial attractiveness. CONCLUSION: Authors experimently proved that harmony and balance among facial aesthetic subunits are the most important factors, in embarking on facial aesthetic plastic surgery, for better enhancement of facial attractiveness.

An Analysis of Frontal Photographs Using "Balanced and Proportional Measurement"

In the morphologic study on the face, it is very important fact that one must analyze not only anomalous structures but also proportional problems of face. Authors analyzed photographs in frontal views of Korean and Western famous female entertainers, which was secondary and supplementary analysis after "BAPA (Balanced Angular Profile Analysis)" This was also a preliminary study for developing a new computerized program of facial analysis. Authors extracted 56 famous female entertainers' photographs (30 Koreans, 26 Westerns) from Internet websites. When performing sampling procedures, authors made strict criteria for selection of photographs in frontal view. We executed 20 proportional measures and 4 angular measures for the analysis. Statistical analysis using SAS program (Version 8.1. USA), was performed. Data from each group(Korean versus Western) were presented to show the means, ranges, P and F values, and standard deviations of each measurement. In addition, the Student t-test(with significance level set to P=0.05) was performed to compare the two groups. Significant between-group proportional differences(P<0.05) were found for middle face height, brow height, interpupil width, eye fissure width, nasal height, interala width, upper lip height, and mandible height but no significant racial differences were found in terms of several proportions and all of the angular measures. If automated computer program is developed based on our data, we can use our data for useful tools for the first consultation process, and suggest that appropriate and harmonious aesthetic operations should be considered reflecting these differences.

DuoDERM EXTRA THIN(TM) Dressing Modified by Multiple Incisions

In reconstruction of the skin defect, partial thickness skin graft (STSG) is common procedure in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Even if the graft is taken successfully, the texture of the donor site can be an aesthetic problem to the patient and the surgeon. Nowadays, occlusive dressings have been recommended for better results and accelerated healing of the donor site. Although hydrocolloid dressing is one of the popular occlusive dressings, its application is limited to the wounds that have mild to moderate discharge because of its absorption capacity. We modified the DuoDERM EXTRA THIN(TM) with multiple incisions to drain the massive discharge in acute stage in STSG donor dressing from January 2003 to May 2003. During the surgery, the half of the donor site was covered with the modified DuoDERM and the other half with original one as a control study. Dressing was changed after the 2nd day of operation. As bloody exudates were drained through the incisions areas, blood clot was less attached on experimental groups than control. Epithelialization was faster in modified dressing and skin surface was more even than the control. We are reporting the advantage of making multiple incisions on DuoDERM EXTRA THIN(TM) for dressing of the partial thickness skin graft donor site.

A Case of Kimura Disease on Parotid Gland

Kimura disease(KD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology and results from an abnormal proliferation of lymphoid follicles and vascular endothelium and rarely has been reported in Korea. Clinical findings of Kimura disease include solitary or multiple, firm, subcutaneous nodules, which usually are located on the head or neck but parotid region is the most common site. The clinical course of the disease is chronic, with lesions frequently persisting or recurring despite treatment. The prognosis for KD is good, with no potential for malignant transformation. Our case is a 45-years-old man who had huge mass on left cheek which had slowly grown since about 10 years before. We planned to perform superficial parotidectomy but the mass was poorly demarcated due to extensive fibrosis and adhesion and had easy bleeding tendency. After frozen biopsy, we performed tumor debulking operation followed by cyclosporin therapy by the dose of 2.5 mg/Kg/day. The lesion was almostly cleared successfully after 3 months later. We report important aspects of clinical findings, histologic features, and therapeutic options of the rare case of KD with review of the previous articles.