Observer-Reported Outcomes and Cosmetic Procedures: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Cosmetic procedures have demonstrated beneficial effects on physical appearance based on anatomic markers as well as patient-perceived self-image and quality of life. Recent studies of observer-reported outcomes (OROs) suggest an additional benefit from aesthetic interventions. The authors aimed to review the evidence of OROs from cosmetic procedures performed on the head and neck. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies, yielding 24 included original investigations. These studies captured 686 total patients, 8,257 observer evaluations, and a variety of interventions including face-lifts, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and minimally invasive treatments including botulinum toxins and hyaluronic acid fillers. Forty-one distinct reported OROs were grouped into 12 descriptive domains. Domains were further grouped into 3 higher-order categories: aesthetics and wellness, social capacities, and skills and competencies. Improved perception after cosmetic intervention is most reproducibly demonstrated for the following ORO domains: age, attractiveness, sociability, relationship success, and occupational and financial competency. The synthesized findings imply a tertiary layer of benefit for cosmetic intervention beyond anatomical and patient-centered outcomes through enhanced perceptions of others. These findings may inform the pre-procedure risk-benefit discussion with patients of cosmetic medicine and drive future research into longitudinal outcomes.