The Power of Personal Appearance

Oct. 15, 2002 -- A new Gallup poll gazes into the world's mirror -- and finds that, by and large, Americans like what they see.

The vast majority of Americans, 90%, are confident in their looks. In fact, 75% say they like their wrinkles, that wrinkles are part of their identity. Many say that appearance is important enough to consider making changes. But only a slim minority are actually considering invasive facial procedures like Botox injections.

The worldwide Gallup survey of more than 5,000 adults in five countries examined both the motivating forces and barriers to improving facial appearance through various treatments and procedures.

The poll was commissioned by Allergan, makers of Botox.

"People feel quite positive, good about themselves," says Nancy Etcoff, PhD, social psychologist at Harvard Medical School and author of Survival of the Prettiest. "When they consider facial treatments, it's only small positive changes they want to make."

Body image and a sense of one's own attractiveness are part of one's self esteem, Etcoff adds. "People higher in self esteem are more likely to use appearance-enhancing procedures. There's not the negative motivation that one always assumes."

In fact, people with low self-esteem should really see a psychotherapist to understand why, says Etcoff. "They shouldn't go immediately to appearance-enhancing procedures."

Among the Gallup findings:

• Around the world, most people like their looks. Australia tops the list with 95% of Australians approving of their image, followed by 88% of the French, 87% of Canadians, and 85% of Americans.
• How important is physical attractiveness? In the U.S., 49% said that it was "somewhat" important, while 32% said it was "very" important."

Brazilians topped the vanity charts; 61% said that looks are "very important." Brazilians were also most confident in their looks and also more willing to have treatments to improve appearance. Their reasons? To get a promotion, help save a relationship, find a job, find a partner, please their partner, be more attractive, look younger, feel more confident, and -- most of all -- to please themselves.

Americans expressed a bit less confidence, with 48% saying they were "somewhat" confident while 41% were "very confident."

What kept anyone from having facial surgeries? Fear of side effects and safety concerns were the primary reasons in all countries -- except Brazil.

People have concerns about Botox as well. They are worried that with Botox, they will not have good facial expressions, says Debra Jaliman, MD, dermatologist with Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

Jaliman counts actresses and newscasters among her patients. "We do what I call "Botox light" -- a version so they can frown subtly, yet it diminishes deep lines; it allows some brow movement," she says.

To find a good facial surgeon, ask other people in your community which doctors they've been to. Make sure the doctor has the proper credentials and that they've performed the procedure multiple times. -->