The Impact of Dermal Fillers on Perceived Personality Traits and Attractiveness

Background Dermal fillers are increasingly popular for facial rejuvenation and enhancement, including effacement of nasolabial folds (NLFs) and marionette lines and lip augmentation. This study aimed to evaluate casual observer perception of physical and interpersonal traits of subjects who receive filler treatment. Methods An anonymous survey of 8 before/after treatment photographical sets was administered in Likert scale format (1–7) using online crowdsourcing. Three sets of photographs were before/after NLF/ marionette line treatment, three of lip augmentation, and two internal controls. Respondents were surveyed on personal demographics, as well as perceptions of subject photographs across nine domains (facial symmetry, confidence, likeability, youthfulness, trustworthiness, attractiveness, intelligence, approachability, happiness). Results In total, 260 respondents completed the survey. The majority were male (63.1%), Caucasian (58.1%), 18–34 years old (58.1%), and college graduates (66.2%). Respondents rated photographs with line filler treatment and lip filler treatment as significantly improved compared to the pre-treatment photographs across all nine trait domains [ p 0.05, for all]. Middle-aged respondents (35–55 years) were more likely to perceive treated filler photographs as more youthful than younger respondents (18–34 years) [ p