Abstract
Since the beginning of humanity, man has sought to define beauty. Whether by philosophy, mathematical constructs, social studies, or biology, the fascination with and the study of beauty has consumed our emotions and intellect. Many myths about this powerful force in our daily lives have been created, and some continue to be believed. Recent studies are shaping a new reality of beauty, one founded on evolutionary and biologic findings that link our fascination with beauty to our reproductive success. Cosmetic surgery, itself, may be an ongoing part of our biologic adaptation. Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2003, 11:295-300 (C) 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.