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Altering First Impressions After Facial Plastic Surgery

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Abstract

Background

First impressions are greatly influenced by facial appearance. Clinical data from psychiatric medicine overwhelming indicate that attractive individuals receive better judgment, treatment and behavior [1,2,10]. This study aimed to determine whether cosmetic alteration of facial features projects a better first impression.

Methods

Random reviewers were asked independently to grade standardized preoperative and postoperative photographs of patients who underwent facial plastic surgery. The reviewers were blinded to the pre- or postoperative status of the photograph. The questions posed to the reviewers were based on first-impression studies used in the past.

Results

The findings indicate that postoperative cosmetic surgery patients were graded as 31% more attractive, 27% better in social skills, 22% more successful in dating, 19% better in athletic skills, 15% better in relationship skills, and 13% more financially successful.

Conclusion

Facial cosmetic surgery can improve the first impression an individual creates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, U.S.A.

    Steven Dayan M.D., F.A.C.S., Kirk Clark M.D. & Allan A. Ho M.D.

  2. University of Illinois, 2913 Commonwealth Street, Suite 430, Chicago, IL, 60657, USA

    Steven Dayan M.D., F.A.C.S.

Authors
  1. Steven Dayan M.D., F.A.C.S.
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  2. Kirk Clark M.D.
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  3. Allan A. Ho M.D.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Steven Dayan M.D., F.A.C.S..

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Dayan, S., Clark, K. & Ho, A.A. Altering First Impressions After Facial Plastic Surgery. Aesth Plast Surg 28, 301–306 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-004-1017-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-004-1017-1

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