A series of photographs will be obtained before your surgery, and computer imaging may be performed to help us plan your surgery. It is normal for minor asymmetries to exist in the face. In fact, when the face is absolutely symmetric, it takes on a bizarre, mechanical appearance. Your surgeon may discuss with you some of your facial asymmetries before you undergo surgery. In any event, it is important to understand that minor facial asymmetries exist normally and that some facial asymmetry can be expected after surgery.

Leonardo da Vinci taught that the best balance of facial aesthetics exists when the face can be divided into three equal vertical dimensions: from the chin to the bottom of the nose, from the bottom of the nose to the brow, and from the brow to the hairline (see the drawing below). In addition, the aesthetic face can be divided into fifths that approximate the width of one eye. These "ideal" facial proportions are demonstrated below. Study your facial dimensions and any asymmetry in your face by using a photograph. It is very difficult to assess your facial dimensions by using a mirror.

If certain facial features are out of proportion to others, the overall facial harmony can be improved by bringing these aspects of the facial features back into the proportions described by da Vinci. In addition, Dr. Michael Cunningham from the University of Louisville has written extensively regarding beauty and aesthetics. Dr. Cunningham describes the aesthetic female face as having large eyes, a relatively small nose and chin, prominent cheek bones, and a large smile with plump lips. Conversely, the aesthetic male face includes large eyes, prominent eyebrows, relatively high cheek bones, and a prominent chin. Chin projection should approximate the vertical projection of the lower lip, as shown in the schematic below. Study your face carefully according to the ideal proportions of da Vinci and the criteria of Dr. Cunningham. Again, use a photograph for such study.

This line drawing illustrates the "rule of fifths" and the "rule of thirds" when analyzing facial aesthetics.This pattern of facial dimensions was described by Leonardo da Vinci.