The influence of orthognathic surgery on the perception of personality traits: A scoping review

Abstract

The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the current state of evidence regarding the influence of orthognathic surgery on the perception of personality traits in dysmorphic patients by laypersons. The MEDLINE database was searched for relevant studies using the search strategy: (“Personality”[Mesh]) AND (“Orthognathic Surgery”[Mesh] OR “Orthognathic Surgical Procedures”[Mesh]). A qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the results was performed. Descriptive statistics were used. The PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Five studies, published between 2012 and 2018, remained after screening. Seventy-two dysmorphic patients and 12 class I control individuals were rated based on a total of 296 pre- and postoperative photographs or videos. The available data showed concordant results. Dysgnathic patients were more negatively perceived than class I patients for both aesthetic and personality dimensions. Compared to control class I patients, class II patients were perceived as more flexible, less confident, and less intelligent, whereas class III patients were characterized by dominance, aggressivity, and brutality. Dysgnathic patients showed an improvement in the postoperative ratings but did not reach the ratings attributed to the control class I group in most traits evaluated. This added understanding should help surgeons to counsel their patients in a realistic and reasonable manner.