Arch Plast Surg.  2015 Sep;42(5):567-571. 10.5999/aps.2015.42.5.567.

Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Facial Features

Affiliations
  • 1MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA.
  • 2Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA. drspiegel@drspiegel.com

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Bariatric surgeries performed in the USA has increased twelve-fold in the past two decades. The effects of rapid weight loss on facial features has not been previously studied. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery will mimic the effects of aging thus giving the patient an older and less attractive appearance.
METHODS
Consecutive patients were enrolled from the bariatric surgical clinic at our institution. Pre and post weight loss photographs were taken and used to generate two surveys. The surveys were distributed through social media to assess the difference between the preoperative and postoperative facial photos, in terms of patients' perceived age and overall attractiveness. 102 respondents completed the first survey and 95 respondents completed the second survey.
RESULTS
Of the 14 patients, five showed statistically significant change in perceived age (three more likely to be perceived older and two less likely to be perceived older). The patients were assessed to be more attractive postoperatively, which showed statistical significance.
CONCLUSIONS
Weight loss does affect facial aesthetics. Mild weight loss is perceived by survey respondents to give the appearance of a younger but less attractive patient, while substantial weight loss is perceived to give the appearance of an older but more attractive patient.

Keyword

Bariatric surgery; Age factors; Aesthetics; Weight loss; Weight reduction

MeSH Terms

Age Factors
Aging
Bariatric Surgery*
Surveys and Questionnaires
Esthetics
Humans
Social Media
Weight Loss
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