Dagmar Scharschmidt1,2, Ursula Mirastschijski3,4, Simone Preiss5, Elmar Brähler6, Tanja Fischer2, A Borkenhagen7,8. 1. Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg Universitätsklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie [University Hospital for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy], Leipziger Straße 44, Eschenstr. 5, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany. 2. Haut-und Lasercentrum Berlin-Potsdam, Praxis Berlin [Medical Practice for Laser Medicine and Dermatology Berlin-Potsdam], Richard-Strauss Strasse 27, 14193, Berlin, Germany. 3. Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie [Clinic for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery], Rotkreuzklinikum München, Nymphenburger Str. 163, 80634, Munich, Germany. 4. Center for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, University of Bremen, Bibliothekstraße 1, 28359, Bremen, Germany. 5. Klinik für Plastische Brust- und Rekonstruktive Chirurgie [Clinic for Plastic Breast and Reconstructive Surgery], Städt. Krankenhaus Dresden-Neustadt, Industriestr. 40, 01129, Dresden, Germany. 6. Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Schwerpunkt Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie [Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Department for Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology], Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, 55131, Mainz, Germany. 7. Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg Universitätsklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie [University Hospital for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy], Leipziger Straße 44, Eschenstr. 5, Magdeburg, 39120, Germany. dr.borkenhagen@web.de. 8. , Eschenstr. 5, 12161, Berlin, Germany. dr.borkenhagen@web.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures has continued to rise, especially in Germany, yet few studies have examined this patient population. The literature in Germany has repeatedly voiced the speculation that users of minimally invasive, skin-rejuvenating procedures displayed a higher tendency toward dysmorphic behavior patterns or, respectively, other abnormal personality traits. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate body image, personality traits, quality of life, and socioeconomic parameters in users of botulinum toxin and/or facial fillers. METHODS: One hundred forty-five females presented for botulinum toxin and/or soft tissue filler injections completed demographic and standardized psychometric questionnaires such as the World-Health-Organization Quality of Life-Short Form, Big Five Inventory-10, Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire before treatment. RESULTS: Patients undergoing injectable aesthetic treatments in an urban dermatology practice were women, middle-aged, highly educated, and mostly employed. Furthermore, participants showed higher quality of life, especially health-related quality of life, and a lower body mass index than controls. Concerning personality traits, our participants scored significantly higher on extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and neuroticism. CONCLUSIONS: This study helps to better understand the psychosocial factors characterizing this patient population. Patients differ from controls by having a higher level of quality of life. No signs of body dysmorphic patterns or problematic personality traits were found. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
BACKGROUND: The demand for minimally invasive cosmetic procedures has continued to rise, especially in Germany, yet few studies have examined this patient population. The literature in Germany has repeatedly voiced the speculation that users of minimally invasive, skin-rejuvenating procedures displayed a higher tendency toward dysmorphic behavior patterns or, respectively, other abnormal personality traits. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate body image, personality traits, quality of life, and socioeconomic parameters in users of botulinum toxin and/or facial fillers. METHODS: One hundred forty-five females presented for botulinum toxin and/or soft tissue filler injections completed demographic and standardized psychometric questionnaires such as the World-Health-Organization Quality of Life-Short Form, Big Five Inventory-10, Body Dysmorphic Disorder Questionnaire before treatment. RESULTS: Patients undergoing injectable aesthetic treatments in an urban dermatology practice were women, middle-aged, highly educated, and mostly employed. Furthermore, participants showed higher quality of life, especially health-related quality of life, and a lower body mass index than controls. Concerning personality traits, our participants scored significantly higher on extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, and neuroticism. CONCLUSIONS: This study helps to better understand the psychosocial factors characterizing this patient population. Patients differ from controls by having a higher level of quality of life. No signs of body dysmorphic patterns or problematic personality traits were found. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
Entities:
Keywords:
Body image; Botulinum toxin; Dermal filler; Personality traits; Quality of life