The Impact of Ptosis Surgery on Social Perception: Observer Ratings of Attractiveness, Success, and Health

This study aimed to explore the association between ptosis surgery and observer-rated perceptions of attractiveness, success, and overall health.

In a web-based survey, masked observers evaluated individual images of 25 patients' faces captured before or after ptosis surgery (levator resection and müller muscle resection). Observers rated each image for attractiveness, perceived success, and overall health on a visual analog scale (0-100), where higher scores indicated more favorable perceptions.

The survey was completed by 304 participants with a mean age of 32 years (range: 18-70). No notable difference emerged in estimated ages between preoperative and postoperative images. However, following ptosis surgery, patients were assigned significantly higher scores in attractiveness, perceived success, and overall health ( p < 0.01).

Patients who underwent ptosis surgery were perceived by general observers as significantly more attractive, successful, and healthy. These results imply that ptosis correction surgery may provide substantial social benefits by enhancing positive perceptions in social interactions.