Does Being Attractive Matter?
April 18th, 2011
Everyone can point to someone that is confident and successful despite or perhaps unrelated to his or her looks. However, for those wanting to stay competitive in a youthful industry, like Hollywood, success appears to be firmly linked with physical appearance. How about for the rest of us?
Many of my patients describe concerns about specific facial features as, “seeming out of sync,†but they are not quite able to pinpoint why. It is generally accepted that facial symmetry correlates to attractiveness, as do perceptions of youth and health. The rationale behind symmetry preference in both humans and animals is that symmetric individuals rate a higher mate-value. Scientists believe that this symmetry is equated with a stronger immune system, indicating more robust genes and a better likelihood that offspring will survive. This theory is supported by research showing that standards of attractiveness are similar across all cultures. Does being attractive still really matter today?
Gordon Patzer tackles the question. He is a former Dean at Roosevelt University in Chicago and well-known researcher in the study of cultural bias based on physical appearance. Patzer calls his theory the Physical Attractiveness Phenomenon or “lookism.†Lookism is basically the behavior of treating people differently based solely on their level of physical attractiveness. Lookism can create an unfair advantage, often with a negative affect for those being judged harshly. As a plastic surgeon, I see the issue from both sides. When patients describe concerns about specific facial features seeming out of sync, asymmetry is often the cause, but sometimes patients are just bothered by changes due to aging. General attractiveness concerns that top this list include crooked noses, droopy jowls and baggy eyes.
Part 2 continued tomorrow.
Patient Comments: Mommy-Make-over
April 13th, 2011
Lyz writes:
I am 32 years old and I am 4 weeks post breast augmentation surgery. I have actually been thinking about getting this surgery for years and after having 2 kids and after getting in shape following my pregnancies, I had gone down to a 34A with no fullness left. I never bought a bra or swimsuit without padding and I felt I was very limited on clothing styles. When I decided on my implant size, my first thought was “Oh, I have a waist!” The surgery was simple and the slight pain and discomfort I experienced was similar to nursing. Completely worth it.
Dr. Bashioum and his staff were so helpful and great to work with. I have already recommended several of my friends to his clinic. I am grateful and so happy with my results! Thank you so much!
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