Altering first impressions after facial plastic surgery

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.