Two multinational, observational surveys investigating perceptions of beauty and attitudes and experiences relating to aesthetic medical procedures

Abstract

Background Data on opinions and experiences of aesthetic medical procedures outside the United States and Western Europe are scarce. Aims This study aimed to survey users and non‐users of aesthetic procedures in countries where this information is less readily available, to understand attitudes and perceptions relating to beauty. Patients/Methods Two independent internet‐based observational surveys were conducted. Survey 1: individuals from Colombia, Lebanon, Malaysia, Russia and Turkey who were ‘users’ or ‘non‐users’ of aesthetic medical procedures. Survey 2: individuals from Colombia, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates who were ‘users’ of non‐surgical aesthetic treatments. Results Surveys 1 and 2 were completed by 300 and 160 individuals, respectively, most of whom were female (94.0% and 99%). Overall, respondents rated the eyes and smile as the most pleasing male and female facial features. Most participants (mean 82.6%; range 75%‐100%) believed maintaining a healthy lifestyle was important for ageing gracefully, and over one‐third (36.0%; 28%‐47%) believed men age more gracefully than women. The emphasis respondents placed on the importance of physical attributes vs inner feelings, internal beauty and self‐confidence varied between countries. Users were often more positive about aesthetic medical procedure outcomes than non‐users. Adequate information, good physician communication (including managing treatment expectations), treatment recommendations based on patient need and good aftercare improved treatment satisfaction. Conclusions The eyes and smile were key features of attractiveness, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle was consistently considered an important factor for ageing gracefully. Ensuring patients are well informed was a major determinant of treatment satisfaction.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder: Self-Perception of Physical Attractiveness Among Secondary School Adolescents

“…Previous studies have observed that facial appearance appears critical to physical attractiveness (Shridharani, 2019), with the face reported as the most important feature for overall appearance (Mares et al, 2010). Our observations were contrary to the reports of the eyes as the most attractive part of the body by Lerner et al (1976) and the findings of two multinational observational surveys that investigated perceptions of beauty, where respondents rated the eyes and smile as the most pleasing facial feature (Redaelli et al, 2020).…”

Perception of cosmetic surgery and associated side effects

“…The quality and quantity of information, as well as communication with a medical professional, influence the perception of medical treatment, and the community and family play an important role in decision-making. [ 22 , 23 ] Losing patient confidence is a potential risk in the field of cosmetic surgery. [ 24 ] While people may seek to identify who can be trusted for such surgery, they may be confused due to the extensive marketing used.…”

“…[ 3 ] Providing sufficient information to patients is also a major determinant of treatment satisfaction. [ 23 ] In this study, participants also recommended careful decision-making for cosmetic surgery, after a sufficient consideration period and adequate consultation with a medical institution. Provision of sufficient education before selective cosmetic surgery contributes to minimizing patient complaints.…”

The Aging Beauty

“…3 Motivation for aesthetic procedures is influenced by physical, psychosocial, psychological, and emotional factors as well as age. 4 A study of women's selfreported motivations for cosmetic procedures revealed that "look younger or fresher," "look better, prettier or more attractive to one's self," and "maintain current appearance longer" were consistently cited as key reasons. 5 While the perceived beauty of these study subjects is unknown, our personal observations suggest that beautiful women and men struggle more with the aging process than their less attractive counterparts and, in extreme cases, obsess over maintaining their physical appearance.…”

“…3 Motivation for aesthetic procedures is influenced by physical, psychosocial, psychological, and emotional factors as well as age. 4 A study of women's self-reported motivations for cosmetic procedures revealed that “look younger or fresher,” “look better, prettier or more attractive to one's self,” and “maintain current appearance longer” were consistently cited as key reasons. 5…”