Aesthetic judgment in the surgery of appearance

Abstract

The aesthetic judgment of human appearance differs from that of the visual arts in that the former is determined not only by the degree of balance and harmony of proportions of its component parts, but also by such factors as body posture and movement and facial expression. Since these are influenced by ethnic background, environment, education, health, and mood of the individual, human appearance from the surgeon's point of view cannot be judged solely on its relationship to the proportions of a classic beauty ideal. From the patient's point of view, judgment of his own appearance introduces a subjective element and involves the way he sees himself in relation to his social environment. His aesthetic judgment is thus rooted in social psychology and modified by certain aspects of his individual psychologic makeup. As far as the patient's daily contacts are concerned, their judgment of his appearance is based on criteria similar to those of the surgeon, but perhaps more strongly influenced by the psychology of interpersonal relationships.