Humans have a natural tendency to make snap judgments about people based on their facial features. Research has identified specific features such as facial symmetry, a prominent brow ridge, and a wide face that contribute to perceptions of dominance and strength. Conversely, features like a babyface, which is characterized by round, soft features, are associated with perceptions of warmth and likeability.
Studies have shown that perceptions of facial dominance and likeability can have real-world implications. For example, Antonakis et al. found that people with facial features linked to dominance were considered more effective leaders, and Rule et al. found that trustworthy and competent looking people were more likely to be elected as political leaders. In addition, research has shown that people with wider faces are more prone to aggressive behavior on the ice in hockey games, and participants are more likely to trust individuals with wider faces, even in the absence of any information about their actual conduct.
Medical Aesthetics and Facial Likeability
Medical aesthetics refers to non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures that aim to improve an individual's physical appearance. These procedures can range from injectables like dermal fillers to non-surgical treatments like PRP therapy and micro-needling. Medical aesthetics has gained popularity in recent years as individuals seek to enhance their appearance and improve their self-confidence by creating a natural look & feel result.
Medical aesthetics can play a role in improving facial likeability by enhancing certain features that are associated with warmth and approachability. For example, dermal injections can be used to reduce the appearance of frown lines and wrinkles, which can make a person look angry or unapproachable. Dermal fillers can be used to add volume to the cheeks and lips, which are associated with youthfulness and attractiveness. In addition, non-surgical treatments like laser resurfacing micro-needling, and skin boosters, like polynucleotides can improve the texture and tone of the skin, making it appear smoother and more youthful.
Consensus on Medical Aesthetics Techniques
While there is no one-size-fits-all on the techniques used in medical aesthetics, the field is highly regulated to ensure the safety and efficacy of these procedures. Medical aesthetics procedures are typically performed by licensed medical professionals, such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or registered nurses in some markets. These professionals undergo extensive training in the anatomy of the face and the techniques used in medical aesthetics procedures.
Conclusion
Facial features play a significant role in perceptions of dominance and likeability. Medical aesthetics procedures can help enhance certain features that are associated with warmth and approachability, thereby improving facial likeability. However, it is crucial to approach these treatments with caution and locate a qualified and experienced practitioner who prioritizes natural-looking results over a one-size-fits-all approach.
Ultimately, the power of perception is a reminder of the importance of paying attention to our own biases and assumptions. By being aware of how we perceive others and actively working to challenge those perceptions when necessary, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where each person is evaluated on their own merits and potential.
References:
Antonakis, J., Dalgas, O., & Vianen, A. E. M. (2009). The power of charisma: Perceived charisma inhibits the processing of information. Leadership Quarterly, 20(2), 309-327.
Carré, J. M., McCormick, C. M., & Mondloch, C. J. (2009). Facial structure is a reliable cue of aggressive behavior. Psychological Science, 20(10), 1194-1198.
Kosinski, M., Stillwell, D., & Graepel, T. (2013). Private traits and attributes are predictable from digital records of human behavior. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(15), 5802-5805.
Rule, N. O., Ambady, N., Adams Jr, R. B., & Ozono, H. (2010). Changes in perceived race and social dominance across mixed-race versus same-race dyads. Psychological Science, 21(9), 1363-1362.
Rule, N. O., Freeman, J. B., Moran, J. M., Gabrieli, J. D. E., & Ambady, N. (2010). Voting behavior is reflected in amygdala response across cultures. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 6(1), 43-50.
Antonakis, J., Bendahan, S., Jacquart, P., & Lalive, R. (2014). On making causal claims: A review and recommendations. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(1), 9-21.
Rule, N. O., & Ambady, N. (2008). The face of success: Inferences from chief executive officers' appearance predict company profits. Psychological Science, 19(2), 109-111.
Wong, V. S., Lim, E. C., & Tan, W. K. (2013). Facial asymmetry and its relation to cranial asymmetry and skeletal malocclusion: A review. Journal of Investigative and Clinical Dentistry, 4(4), 217-222.
Shaw, R. B., Katzel, E. B., Koltz, P. F., Kahn, D. M., Girotto, J. A., & Langstein, H. N. (2011). Aging of the mandible and its aesthetic implications. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 127(1), 374-383.
Fink, B., Grammer, K., & Thornhill, R. (2001). Human (hom*o sapiens) facial attractiveness in relation to skin texture and color. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 115(1),
