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The old saying, “beauty is in the eye of
the beholder,” has scientifically been proven true. A study in a recent
issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical
journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), found that
variations in eyebrow shape, eyelid position, and wrinkles significantly
impact how your facial expressions, and subsequent mood, are perceived
by others.
“A key complaint of those seeking facial plastic surgery is that
people always tell them they look tired, even though they do not feel
tired,” said John Persing, MD, ASPS member
and study co-author. “We found that variations in eyebrow contour,
drooping of the upper eyelid, and wrinkles may be conveying facial
expressions that don’t necessarily match how patients are feeling.”
In the study, a standardized photo of a youthful face was digitally
altered to change a number of variables, including eyebrow shape and
position; upper and lower eyelid position; upper eyelid drooping and
removal of excess skin; and facial wrinkles. Twenty health care workers
were given 16 photos and asked to rate, on a scale of 0 to 5, the presence of seven
expressions or emotions: tiredness, happiness, surprise, anger, sadness,
disgust, and fear. The results for each altered photo were compared
with scores from the original unaltered photo. Overall, eyebrow shape
had a greater influence than absolute position on perceived mood.
Tiredness
Drooping of the upper eyelid was the
biggest indicator of tiredness, according to the study. Simulating skin
removal of the upper eyelid, as performed in some eyelid procedures, but
not correcting accompanying eyelid ptosis (drooping), resulted in an
increase in the perception of tiredness (and sadness). Photos that
included an overall elevation of the eyebrows or an increase in the
distance between the eyebrow and upper eyelid also increased the
perception of tiredness.
Anger and Disgust
Lowering or slanting the
inner corner of the eyebrows towards the nose, as well as adding
forehead wrinkles significantly increased the perceived facial
expressions of anger and disgust.
Fear and Surprise
Raising the upper eyelids
produced an increase in the perception of surprise and fear. Also,
raising the outer corner of the eyebrows produced an increase in the
perception of surprise.
Sadness
Raising the inner corner of the eyebrows
away from the nose was perceived as a sad facial expression.
Happiness
Happiness was perceived by raising the
lower eyelid and the presence of crow’s feet, which, according to the
study, seem to simulate the cheek elevation that occurs with smiling.
“The eyes and their related structures nonverbally communicate a wide
range of expressions that are universal to all people,” said Dr.
Persing. “Therefore facial expression should be a factor in how patients
and their plastic surgeons select various rejuvenation procedures. As
our findings show, even the slightest modification can elicit profound
changes in how others perceive us.”
According to ASPS statistics, more than 241,000 eyelid surgeries,
43,000 forehead lifts and 118,400 facelifts were performed in 2007.
Source: "Looking Tired or Angry May Have More to do with Facial Aesthetics
Than How You Feel, ASPS Study Reveals," American Society of Plastic Surgeons news release, Arlington Heights, Illinois, May 27, 2008
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