Blinded evaluation of the effects of hyaluronic acid filler injections on first impressions.
BACKGROUND
Facial appearance has profound influence on the first impression that is projected to others.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects that complete correction of the nasolabial folds (NLFs) with hyaluronic acid (HA) filler has on the first impression one makes.


METHODS
Twenty-two subjects received injections of HA filler into the NLFs. Photographs of the face in a relaxed pose were taken at baseline, optimal correction visit, and 4 weeks after optimal correction. Three hundred four blinded evaluators completed a survey rating first impression on various measures of success for each photo. In total, 5,776 first impressions were recorded, totaling 46,208 individual assessments of first impression.


RESULTS
Our findings indicate a significant improvement in mean first impression in the categories of dating success, attractiveness, financial success, relationship success, athletic success, and overall first impression at the optimal correction visit. At 4 weeks after the optimal correction visit, significance was observed in all categories measured: social skills, academic performance, dating success, occupational success, attractiveness, financial success, relationship success, athletic success, and overall first impression.


CONCLUSIONS
Full correction of the NLFs with HA filler significantly and positively influences the first impression an individual projects.
Dayan
Steven H
SH
Chicago Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. sdayan@drdayan.com
Arkins
John P
JP
Gal
Thomas J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005145:Face; D005149:Facial Expression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods*; D015595:Skin Aging; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055675:Viscosupplements / Q000008:administration & dosage
D055675:Viscosupplements; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid