Facial Distortion in Selfies

"There is a noted relationship between the increase in selfie photographs and an increase in rhinoplasty requests, particularly among younger patients."

"We need to increase awareness of how false perceptions on selfies may affect rhinoplasty requests, perceptions of self-image, and subsequent depression and anxiety."

Professor Bardia Amirlak, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Texas

Requests for plastic surgery on younger peoples' noses have been on the rise. Scientists from the University of Texas, led by Professor Amirlak of the university's department of plastic surgery, found that younger patients in particular have been booking rhinoplasties, and the reason appears to be that selfies tend to distort their features. The study saw publication in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

No consideration appears to have been given by those seeking to alter their noses to the fact that rhinoplasty is not an intelligent route to take in this instance; taking fewer selfies might represent a more intelligent option. Clearly, their birth nose is not at fault; whereas the optical result of a camera with a tendency to distort facial features is. Their smartphones make photographs turn out with their faces appearing longer and wider.

For their study, the scientists had thirty volunteers agree to sit for three photographs, two of which were taken with a smartphone, 12 and 18 inches distant from their faces, and the third photographs taken with a digital camera from a five feet distance. The next step was to compare each photo 'landmark' measurements -- including nose, lip, chin and facial width. Questionnaires were completed as well by participants, asked to rate their satisfaction with their image appearance on each of the photographs.

The result of the study was to reveal that noses looked up to 6.4 percent longer in the selfie as compared with how it appeared in a standard photograph. The volunteers' chins were shortened by up to 12 percent with the ratio of nose to chin rising by 17 percent in the selfies. Relative to the face, those selfies produced photos where the base of the nose appeared wider.

Photos taken up close. The image on the left is stretched. The nose is wider, face wider, and ears do not show.  Source: https://eblnews.com/video/why-selfies-can-make-your-nose-look-bigger-363183