By Andrea Goto
You’ve probably heard the adage, “When you look good, you feel good.” But what if your looks also make others feel good about you? And what if this perception can be enhanced by making improvements to one’s face?
A recent study conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center reveals just that: when a man undergoes cosmetic surgery on his face, it increases not only how others perceive of his attractiveness, but also how they perceive of his likeability, social skills or trustworthiness.
The kind of procedure a man undergoes seems to matter. The study revealed the following correlations between surgical procedures and their effect on the perceptions of others:
- Upper eyelid surgery increased likeability and trustworthiness
- Lower eyelid surgery decreased risk-taking
- Brow-lift improved perception of extroversion and risk-taking
- Face-lift increased likeability and trustworthiness
- Neck-lift increased perceived extroversion and masculinity
- Nose surgery (rhinoplasty) improved attractiveness
Studies on how society perceives women after undergoing cosmetic surgery have revealed that changes that make her appear more feminine—round cheeks, wide smile, and large, wide eyes—improve how others perceive of her, but the Georgetown study is the first of its kind to focus on men.
More and more men are undergoing cosmetic procedures. In fact, men now make up 15-20% of the cosmetic surgery market. This is probably due at least in part to the fact that the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery seems to be lessening. Once considered “narcissistic” in some circles, cosmetic surgery is increasingly being accepted as a way to enhance one’s overall wellbeing.
Looks matter—at least to the extent that people make assumptions about one’s personality based on appearances. The study's senior investigator, Michael J. Reilly, MD, an associate professor at Georgetown's School of Medicine, explains that “the tendency to judge facial appearance is likely rooted in evolution, as studies suggest evaluating a person based on appearance is linked to survival -- our animal instinct tells us to avoid those who are ill-willed and we know from previous research that personality traits are drawn from an individual's neutral expressions.”
Without a doubt, getting to know someone beyond that first impression will reveal a more authentic self, but the study is a good reminder that maintenance matters—even for men.
