Facial self-perception, well-being, and aesthetic surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: It is controversial whether impaired well-being is associated with (a) an increased likelihood of having a negative body/facial image; or (b) dissatisfaction with the postoperative result following aesthetic surgery. We set out to improve current knowledge in this matter. METHODS: A total of 324 subjects (n = 162 females, n = 162 males, 18-30 years) were photographed, asked to complete the adjective mood scale and to rate 46 statements regarding their own appearance, and its impact on social functioning as well as their willingness to undergo aesthetic surgery on a visual analog scale. The photographs of these subjects were also assessed by 50 independent judges. RESULTS: Average self-awarded ratings of appearance were significantly more positive in subjects with normal as compared to those with impaired well-being (P = 0.014). Items regarding the impact of appearance on social functioning were answered significantly more negatively by subjects with impaired well-being as compared with those with the normal well-being (P = 0.001). Subjects with impaired well-being did not declare an increased willingness to undergo aesthetic surgery (P > 0.197). Assessment by the independent judges did not reveal differences in the average level of attractiveness of subjects with impaired well-being and those with normal well-being (P = 0.666). CONCLUSIONS: Impaired well-being is associated with impaired facial selfperception, independent of attractiveness. Willingness to undergo aesthetic surgery seems not to be affected by one's sense of well-being. In the subjects with impaired well-being who undergo aesthetic surgery, facial self-perception seems unlikely to be improved.