Abstract
Objectives
First impression is influenced by facial appearance and improved by cosmetic surgery. We wished to determine if treatment with Botox(r) (botulinum toxin A/BTxnA) would improve first impression.
Methods
Women received BTxnA in the forehead. Photos were taken prior to, and 1 week after, BTxnA injection in both smiling and relaxed poses. Photos were randomly divided into books with each subject represented only once per book. Evaluators completed a survey rating their first impression on various measures of success for each photo in the book.
Results
No differences were seen for social skills, financial, or relationship success scales. Significant decrease in first impression scores between treatment photos was seen for academic performance and occupational success. However, analysis of between-subject effects found that ‘smile/relax’ accounted for the decreased score in both scales. Significant increases in first impression scores were seen for the scales of dating success, attractiveness, and athletic success, where ‘smile/relax’ and BTxnA contributed significantly to the improved scores.
Conclusions
BTxnA improved first impression scores for scales of dating success, attractiveness and athletic success. Academic performance and occupational success scores were not affected by BTxnA when the ‘smile/relax’ variable was included. The ‘smile/relax’ variable was a more important predictor for academic performance and occupational success scores.
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