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Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery Research Article Advances in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery © All rights are reserved by Suzanne Teo and Sandeep Uppal. ISSN: 2572-6684 *Address for Correspondence: Adj Asst Prof Sandeep Uppal, Head of Section of Facial Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Service, Department of Otolaryngology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Yishun, Singapore. E-mail: [email protected] Received Date: July 14, 2017; Accepted Date: September 2, 2017; Published Date: September 11, 2017. Suzanne Teo and Sandeep Uppal Department of Otolaryngology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun, Singapore. Abstract Background: Over the last few decades, there has been greater attention given to aesthetic beauty due to the influence of social media. Globally, cosmetic surgery has increased in popularity and has become more socially acceptable not only in the West, but also in Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitude and perception of Singapore citizens and permanent residents regarding facial plastic surgery. Methods: The participants completed a questionnaire survey and the responses to the items were analysed using SPSS. Singapore citizens and permanent residents between 21 and 70 years old who were attending the Otolaryngology Clinic in our institution and who had not undergone any facial plastic surgery or suffered from facial trauma previously were invited to participate in the survey. Results: This study found a statistically significant difference between the importance that Indian participants attributed to appeara- nces compared to the other ethnicities (p<0.001). One hundred percent of Malay participants felt that facial plastic surgery is more acceptable in society today compared to 97.4% Chinese and 73.9% Indians (p<0.001). It also revealed that Chinese participants were less satisfied with their lips (p=0.044) compared to the other races. Conclusion: Majority of Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents feel that Facial Plastic Surgery is socially acceptable now. This information can be helpful in planning service delivery in private clinics. Introduction Life expectancy has increased steadily over the last century and people are generally leading a healthier life than anytime in human history. Often patients perceive a mismatch between their physical well-being and their physical appearance [1]. With greater affluence and the influence of social media, aesthetic plastic surgery is gaining popularity globally in attempting to improve one’s self confidence, social mobility and quality of life [2, 3]. This survey aims to investi- gate whether this phenomenon has influenced Singaporean citizens and permanent residents. Beauty can be greatly subjective. It was previously believed that the Caucasian appearance is the standard of beauty [4]. However, recent surveys have revealed that majority of non-Caucasians considering rhinoplasty do not desire Caucasian-type noses [5]. This could be due to changing trends, or it could be due to better under- standing of establishing harmony with respect to an individual’s facial features and race in facial plastic surgery [6, 7]. Different cultural backgrounds may lead to varied attitudes towards the emphasis and definition of attractiveness [8, 9]. For example, the traditional Chinese cultural norm may associate one’s facial features with one’s destiny and luck [10]. As Singapore has a multicultural society, this project also aims to investigate the inter-ethnical differences that Singaporeans may possess in the perception of attractiveness and their attitudes towards facial plastic surgery. Material and Methods Inclusion criteria Chinese, Malay or Indian patients or their carers attending the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Clinic in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, aged between 21 and 70 years old, were randomly selected for this cross-sectional survey. With their verbal consent, they were given a questionnaire to complete (See Appendix 1). They were categorized into 3 main categories according to their ethnicity (Chinese, Malay or Indian) for analysis. The responses of the different ethnic groups were compared regarding their attitudes towards facial plastic surgery in general and their perception of attractiveness regarding the various facial features (eyes, nose, lips). Responses were collated and analysed using the SPSS system. The responses for each question were collated and input into SPSS. Analysis was performed using Chi-square for multiple choice questions and Kruskal-Wallis for Likert scale questions. For ranking questions, multiple responses analysis was performed and the p-value was calculated using linear regression. Exclusion Criteria Those who had undergone any facial plastic surgery procedure or suffered previous facial trauma were excluded from the survey. Participants A total of 143 participants were selected randomly at the Khoo Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 146 of 155

Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery · 2018-07-19 · Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception

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Page 1: Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery · 2018-07-19 · Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception

Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery

Research Article

Advances in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery © All rights are reserved by Suzanne Teo and Sandeep Uppal.

useful characterization of serotonin receptor subtypes in the treatment of

ISSN: 2572-6684

*Address for Correspondence: Adj Asst Prof Sandeep Uppal, Head of Section of Facial Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Service, Department of Otolaryngology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, 90 Yishun Central, Yishun, Singapore. E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: July 14, 2017; Accepted Date: September 2, 2017; Published Date: September 11, 2017.

Suzanne Teo and Sandeep UppalDepartment of Otolaryngology, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun, Singapore.

AbstractBackground: Over the last few decades, there has been greater attention given to aesthetic beauty due to the influence of social media. Globally, cosmetic surgery has increased in popularity and has become more socially acceptable not only in the West, but also in Asian countries such as Korea and Japan. This study aims to explore the knowledge, attitude and perception of Singapore citizens and permanent residents regarding facial plastic surgery.

Methods: The participants completed a questionnaire survey and the responses to the items were analysed using SPSS. Singapore citizens and permanent residents between 21 and 70 years old who were attending the Otolaryngology Clinic in our institution and who had not undergone any facial plastic surgery or suffered from facial trauma previously were invited to participate in the survey.

Results: This study found a statistically significant difference between the importance that Indian participants attributed to appeara-nces compared to the other ethnicities (p<0.001). One hundred percent of Malay participants felt that facial plastic surgery is more acceptable in society today compared to 97.4% Chinese and 73.9% Indians (p<0.001). It also revealed that Chinese participants were less satisfied with their lips (p=0.044) compared to the other races.

Conclusion: Majority of Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents feel that Facial Plastic Surgery is socially acceptable now. This information can be helpful in planning service delivery in private clinics.

Introduction Life expectancy has increased steadily over the last century and

people are generally leading a healthier life than anytime in human history. Often patients perceive a mismatch between their physical well-being and their physical appearance [1]. With greater affluence and the influence of social media, aesthetic plastic surgery is gaining popularity globally in attempting to improve one’s self confidence, social mobility and quality of life [2, 3]. This survey aims to investi-gate whether this phenomenon has influenced Singaporean citizens and permanent residents.

Beauty can be greatly subjective. It was previously believed that the Caucasian appearance is the standard of beauty [4]. However, recent surveys have revealed that majority of non-Caucasians considering rhinoplasty do not desire Caucasian-type noses [5]. This could be due to changing trends, or it could be due to better under-standing of establishing harmony with respect to an individual’s facial features and race in facial plastic surgery [6, 7]. Different cultural backgrounds may lead to varied attitudes towards the emphasis and definition of attractiveness [8, 9]. For example, the traditional Chinese cultural norm may associate one’s facial features with one’s destiny and luck [10]. As Singapore has a multicultural society, this

project also aims to investigate the inter-ethnical differences that Singaporeans may possess in the perception of attractiveness and their attitudes towards facial plastic surgery.

Material and Methods

Inclusion criteria

Chinese, Malay or Indian patients or their carers attending the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Clinic in Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, aged between 21 and 70 years old, were randomly selected for this cross-sectional survey. With their verbal consent, they were given a questionnaire to complete (See Appendix 1). They were categorized into 3 main categories according to their ethnicity (Chinese, Malay or Indian) for analysis. The responses of the different ethnic groups were compared regarding their attitudes towards facial plastic surgery in general and their perception of attractiveness regarding the various facial features (eyes, nose, lips). Responses were collated and analysed using the SPSS system. The responses for each question were collated and input into SPSS. Analysis was performed using Chi-square for multiple choice questions and Kruskal-Wallis for Likert scale questions. For ranking questions, multiple responses analysis was performed and the p-value was calculated using linear regression.

Exclusion Criteria

Those who had undergone any facial plastic surgery procedure or suffered previous facial trauma were excluded from the survey.

Participants A total of 143 participants were selected randomly at the Khoo

Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 146 of 155

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Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

Race Number of participants

Chinese 80 (63.5%)

Indian 23 (18.3%)

Malay 23 (18.3%)

Gender Number of participants

Female 52 (41.3%)

Male 62 (49.2%)

Total 114 (90.5%)

Missing 12 (9.5%)

Total 126 (100%)

Table 1

Table 2

Education Number of participants

PSLE 2 (1.6%)

O Level 23 (18.3%)

A Level 14 (11.1%)

Diploma 43 (34.1 %)

Degree 25 (19.8%)

Masters 5 (4%)

Others 1 (0.8%)

Missing 13 (10.3%)

Total 126

Table 3

Housing Number of participants

7 (5.6%)

51 (40.5%)

37 (29.4%)

18 (14.3%)

10 (7.9%)

3 (2.4%)

1-2 Room HDB

3-4 Room HDB

5 Room HDB

Condo/ Executive mansionette

Bungalow/ Terrace/ Semi-D

Missing

Total 126

Table 4

Yes No

Chinese 68 (85.0%) 12 (15.0%)

Indians 17 (73.9%) 6 (26.1%)

Malay 20 (87.0%) 3 (13.0%)

Count 105 21

Results 83.3% of all participants were aware of facial plastic surgery.

85.0% of Chinese, 73.9% of Indians s and 87.0% of Malay answered “Yes” to being aware of Facial plastic surgery [Table 5].

Table 5

Race Which of the following has the greatest influence on

you regarding aesthetic surgery?

Television, radio Internet Print Friends, family

Chinese

Indian

Malay

Total

13 (19.1%)

7 (36.8%)

7 (41.2%)

27

31 (45.6%)

6 (31.6%)

8 (47.1%)

45

11 (16.2%)

3 (15.8%)

2 (11.8%)

16

13 (19.1%)

3 (15.8%)

0 (0%)

16

Race Are you aware of Facial plastic surgery in general?

Overall Chinese (45.6%) and Malay participants (47.1%) felt that the

internet was the greatest influence regarding aesthetic surgery while Indian participants (36.8%) felt that television and radio was the greatest influence [Table 6]. However, this was not statistically significant. All Malay (100%) participants surveyed felt that aesthetic surgery is more accepted in society today compared to only 97.4% of Chinese and 73.9% of Indians [Table 7]. This was statistically significant (p <0.001).

Most participants (63.8% Chinese, 47.8% Indians, 56.5% Malays) did not personally know anyone who has undergone aesthetic surgery.

Table 6

Teck Puat Otorhinolaryngology clinic and invited to participate. Participants were briefed regarding the aims and objectives of the study and surveyed. 11 participants with prior facial trauma or facial plastic surgery and 3 participants with missing information regarding their race were excluded from the study. An additional 3 participants were excluded as they were not Chinese, Indians or Malays. A total of 126 respondents - 80 Chinese, 23 Indians and 23 Malays, was included in this study [Table 1]. The number of Male (62) and Female (52) participants [Table 2] was almost evenly split. Participants werealso stratified by educational level and housing. There were 34.1%diploma holders, 1.6% PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination),18.3% O Level, 11.1% A level, 19.8% Degree, 4.0% Masters responders[Table 3]. Housing was used as a surrogate marker for incomebracket in this study where participants staying in the 1-2 Room HDB(Housing Development Board) and 3-4 Room HDB groups wereregarded as the lower income group, 5-Room HDB as middle incomegroup and private housing such as condominium, executivemansionettes, bungalow, terrace, semi-detached houses were regar-ded as higher income groups. Most participants (40.5%) stayed in 3-4Room HDB (Housing Development Board) flats compared to 5.6% in1-2 Room HDB, 29.4% in 5 Room HDB, 14.3% in condominium/executive mansionette and 7.9% in bungalow/ terrace/ semi-detachedhouses [Tables 4].

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Do you think that aesthetic surgery is more accepted in society today?

Yes No

Chinese 76 (97.4%) 2 (2.6%)

Indians 17 (73.9%) 6 (26.1%)

Malay 23 (100.0%) 0 (0.0%)

Count 116 8

Race

Table 7

Race

Mean N Std. Deviation

Chinese 3.64 80 0.917

Indian 4.43 23 1.080

Malay 3.65 23 1.301

Total 3.79 126 1.063

On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think appearance plays a part in one’s self-confidence? (1 being least important, 5 being most important)

Using the Kruskal-Wallis test, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in how important the different races think appearance plays a part in one’s self-confidence. The mean score for Chinese was 3.64, Indian 4.43 and Malay 3.65 [Table 8]. The effect size calculated (Chi-square value / [N-1]) was 12.6%, which suggests that 12.6% of the variability in rank score is accounted for by race. Kruskal-Wallis test was repeated to compare between different ethnicities, such as Chinese and Indians, Chinese and Malays and lastly, Malays and Indians. There was a statistical significance between Chinese and Indians (p<0.001). There was also a difference between Malays and Indians (p=0.016) but no statistically significant difference between Chinese and Malays (p=0.691).

This statistically significant difference was replicated when parti-cipants were asked how beneficial they think aesthetic surgery is towards boosting their self-confidence (p=0.027) [Table 9]. However, this was the only statistically significant difference when comparing Chinese and Indians (p=0.008). It was not statistically significant when comparing Indians and Malays (p = 0.051) or Chinese and Malays (p=0.864).

Table 8

Race On a scale of 1-5, how beneficial do you think aesthetic surgery is to boost self-confidence? (1 being least beneficial, 5 being most beneficial)

Mean N Std. Deviation

Chinese 3.41 80 0.910

Indian 3.96 23 1.296

Malay 3.35 23 1.152

Total 3.50 126 1.049

Table 9

All races felt that appearance was important to gain employment/work privileges, with a mean score of 3.46 for Chinese, 3.91 for Indian and 3.43 for Malay. There was no statistically significant difference between the races (p=0.069). There was also no statistically significant difference between the races regarding how important they think appearance plays a part in social interaction (p = 0.062).

Most participants (83.8% Chinese, 87% Indians, 87% Malays) did not consider undergoing aesthetic surgery. When given a choice, the most common reason amongst all the 3 races (76.9% Chinese, 50% Indians and 75% Malays) for undergoing aesthetic surgery was to boost their confidence. However, there was a statistically significant difference for the reasons against undergoing aesthetic surgery (p=0.032) [Table 10]. The majority of each race (62.5% of Chinese, 55.6% of Indians and 53.3% of Malays) felt that they were satisfied with their personal appearance and would therefore not undergo aesthetic surgery. Further analysis was performed to evaluate the statistically significant difference attained. The chi-square test was repeated comparing 2 races each time; this revealed a statistically significant difference (p=0.029) when comparing Malays and Chinese. This is likely due to the Chinese ranking fear of potential risks to health as the second most common reason (20.0%) for not undergoing aesthetic surgery compared to 0.0% in the Malay participants. Instead, the second most common reason for Malay participants was tied between aesthetic surgery being against religious beliefs (20.0%) and cost (20.0%). 10.0% Chinese cited cost as a factor and 0.0% cited aesthetic surgery being against religious beliefs as a factor against aesthetic surgery.

When asked to rank the most compelling reason to undergo and against undergoing aesthetic surgery, there was no statistically significant difference between the different races.

Facial plastic surgery There was no statistically significant difference between the races on how satisfied they were with their facial appearance (p=0.088) with a mean score of 3.51 for Chinese, 3.82 for Indians and 3.62 for Malays participants. There was also no statistically significant difference between the races when asked to rank a feature of their appearance they would change first if given the option to or when ranking a feature in order of importance for attractiveness.

Lips There was a statistically significant difference amongst the races when asked to score their satisfaction regarding their lips on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the most satisfied (p=0.044). The mean score for Chinese was 3.60, Indian 3.86 and Malay 4.05 [Table 11]. Further analysis revealed that this difference remained statistically significant when comparing Chinese against Malay (p=0.047) but not when comparing Chinese with Indian (p=0.054) or Indian with Malay (p=0.990). However, when asked which aspect of their lips they would change first, there was no statistically significant difference in choice between the different races (p=0.573).

Forehead/ eyebrow/ mid-face/ ears There was no statistically significant difference on the satisfa-

ction score with their forehead (p=0.211), mid face (p=0.263), ears (p=0.338), eyes (p=0.291), nose (0.203), chin (p=0.269) or jaw (p=0.854). There was also no statistically significant difference when participants were asked to rank a feature of their appearance they would change first.

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 148 of 155

NEW
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Indians
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Race

What is your reason for not considering aesthetic facial plastic surgery?

Cost Satisfied with personal

appearance

Fear of potential risks

to health

Aesthetic surgery is against personal

beliefs

Do not like the look of aesthetic surgery

Chinese

Indian

Malay

Total

4 (10.0%)

5 (27.8%)

3 (20.0%)

12

25 (62.5%)

10 (55.6%)

8 (53.3%)

43

8 (20.0%)

1 (5.6%)

0 (0.0%)

9

2 (5.0%)

1 (5.6%)

1 (6.7%)

3

1 (2.5%)

1 (5.6%)

0 (0.0%)

2

Table 10

Race

Mean N Std. Deviation

Chinese 3.60 78 0.827

Indian 3.86 22 1.424

Malay 4.05 21 0.973

Total 3.73 121 0.992

On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your lips? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

Table 11

For the forehead, Chinese (20.0%) and Malays (35.0%) would change their prominent forehead while Indians (36.8%) would change the thinning of their hair first (p=0.421). In the mid-face, all three races (29.7% Chinese, 29.4% Indians and 36.8% Malays) would correct their flat cheek bones of the mid-face first (p=0.618).

Chinese (38.7%) and Malays (27.8%) would change the symmetry of their ears but Indians (29.4%) would change the shape of their ears first (p=0.953).

All three races (27.9% Chinese, 38.9% Indians 50% Malays) would correct their eye bags first (p=0.321). Additionally, all three races (25% Chinese, 16.7% Indians and 21.1% Malays) would change the shape of their nose first (p=0.943).

Chinese (45.6%) would lengthen their chin first. However, India-ns (27.8%) would correct their retruded chin while Malays (44.4%) would correct their protruding chin first (p=0.714).

Regarding the jaw, Chinese (40.6%) would choose to remove their excess fat while Indians (33.3%) would opt to remove the sagging skin and Malays (40%) would like to enhance their jaw line (p=0.434) first.

Education and Housing

There was no statistically significant difference when the analysis was repeated with participants stratified according to education level.

When data was analysed by housing, a higher percentage of participants who stay in 1-2 Room HDB have considered aesthetic surgery (42.9%) compared to other strata (15.7% in 3-4 Room HDB, 16.7% in Condominium/ Executive Mansionette, 20% in Bungalow/ Terrace/ Semi-D). This is in comparison to only 5.4% of participants staying in 5 Room HDB have considered plastic surgery. However, this finding was not statistically significant (p=0.120). There was also no statistically significant difference among the strata in grading their satisfaction with facial appearance on a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being most satisfied (p=0.557). The mean scores were similar across the strata with a mean score of 3.71 in 1-2 Room HDB, 3.67 in 3-4 Room HDB, 3.46 in 5 Room HDB, 3.61 in condominium/ executive mansionette and 3.78 in Bungalow/ Terrace/ Semi-D.

The only statistically significant difference was found in the number of people whom participants personally know to have undergone aesthetic surgery (p=0.043). This is likely attributed to participants staying in 1-2 Room HDB knowing a significantly higher mean of 3.00 people who have undergone aesthetic surgery while participants staying in 5 Room HDB knew a lower mean of 1.51 people [Table 12]. This remained statistically significant when comparing individual groups 1-2 Room HDB (p=0.046) and 5 Room HDB (p=0.047) against the others but not when comparing 3-4 Room HDB (p=0.138), condominium/ executive mansionette (p=0.137) and bungalow/ terrace/ semi-detached houses (p=0.903).

Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 129 of 135

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

Aesthetic surgery is against religious

beliefs

0 (0.0%)

0 (0.0%)

3 (20.0%)

3

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Housing

How many people do you know personally have undergone aesthetic surgery?

0 1 2-3 4-5 >5 Mean

1 (14.3%)

33 (64.7%)

24 (64.9%)

10 (55.6%)

6 (60.0%)

74

1 (14.3%)

1 (2.0%)

7 (18.9%)

2 (11.1%)

1 (10.0%)

12

3 (42.9%)

13 (25.5%)

6 (16.2%)

3 (16.7%)

3 (30.0%)

28

1 (14.3%)

2 (3.9%)

0 (0.0%)

0 (0.0%)

0 (0.0%)

3

1 (14.3%)

2 (3.9%)

0 (0.0%)

3 (16.7%)

0 (0.0%)

6

3.00

1.80

1.51

2.11

1.70

1.82

1-2 Room HDB

3-4 Room HDB

5 Room HDB

Bungalow/ Terrace/Semi-D

Total

Condo/ Executive Mansionette

Discussion The general Singaporean population appear to be aware of facial plastic surgery, largely influenced by social media (the internet, television and radio). This suggests that advertisement through social media is useful in spreading awareness of facial plastic surgery.

Based on our questionnaire results, most participants were sati-sfied with their appearances and did not consider undergoing facial plastic surgery. However, Indians appear to value appearance more significantly compared to Chinese or Malays in boosting one's self confidence. A paper in India stated that physical appearance has been found to be an important determinant of an individual’s social status [10]. While one’s appearance did not result in perceived benefits in employment or social interaction, it would be interesting to find out the reason behind the increased emphasis given to appearance in the Indian participants compared to the Chinese or Malay participants, and whether this is related to perceived difference in social status.

One reason that could possibly affect the different participants' views would be religious beliefs. This is evident in Malays citing religious reasons as the second most compelling factor against undergoing facial plastic surgery compared to the Chinese who did not cite religious reasons as a factor. However, it is interesting to note that 100% of Malay responders felt that facial plastic surgery is more accepted in society today compared to 97.4% Chinese and 73.9% Indians. This could reflect a changing trend towards facial plastic surgery that is more prevalent in the Malay community compared to the Chinese or Indian communities [11]. Nevertheless, the findings of this study highlight the need to be racially sensitive when offering aesthetic surgery services.

The general perceptions of all 3 races appear to be largely similar in terms of ranking each facial feature and the most important factor for each facial feature. This concurred with a previous study perfo-rmed in an Asian community where ethnicity was a non-significant predictor in the judgment of an attractive male or female profile [12]. The only statistically significant difference found in our survey was when participants were asked to rank their satisfaction regarding their lips. Chinese appear to be less satisfied with their lips compared to Malay or Indian participants. Other research studies have also reported an increasing trend of people in China, Japan and South Korea who have contemplated lip aesthetic surgery, where a short philtrum and an upturned vermilion is considered appealing to an

an Asian face [13]. This may be a helpful feature for aesthetic plastic surgeons to address in Chinese patients who are less forthcoming with their dissatisfaction of their facial features.

Housing was used as a surrogate marker of income bracket for the study. Interestingly, the lower-income group (1-2 Room HDB) knew a significantly higher mean number of participants who have undergone aesthetic surgery while the middle-income group (5 Room HDB) knew a significantly lower mean number of participants. This correlated with the highest proportion of participants who have considered aesthetic surgery derived from the lower-income group and the lowest proportion of participants who have considered aesthetic surgery derived from the middle-income group although this did not reach statistically significant difference. A possible explanation could be that participants who are keen in aesthetic surgery would actively seek information regarding aesthetic surgery, which could lead them to have contact with individuals who have undergone aesthetic surgery.

This study compared the attitudes of the 3 major races in Singapore, namely the Chinese, Malays and Indians. Including the 4th major race in Singapore, Eurasians, could perhaps project a better representation of the Singaporean population. Additionally, it can be argued that this study showed a larger participation from the Chinese population compared to the other races, which is in fact representative of the proportion of Chinese in the Singapore population. An increased number of participants could be conside-red for future studies which would better reflect the Singapore population distribution.

Conclusion

This study concludes that the Indian participants attribute a greater emphasis on appearances compared to the other races. It also highlights the possibility of Malays being more receptive to facial plastic surgery in society today. Additionally, the Chinese participants appear to have less satisfaction with their lips compared to the other races.

This study also revealed that the 3 major races in Singapore are generally aware of facial plastic surgery but are satisfied with their appearance. This may be due to the population being sampled in this survey. Khoo Teck Puat Hospital generally serves the heartlands area of Singapore and the population in this region is not as affluent and

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 126-135.

Table 12

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may not have the same social pressures to undergo facial plastic surgery relative to the more affluent population in other parts of Singapore. Given more time and resources, further research studies could be performed to investigate the reason for the differences found.

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6. Alain Tauka, NaylaBassil-Nassifb, Carole Mouhanna-Fattalb, Joseph Bouserhalb.The importance of using the entire face to assess facial profile attractiveness. IntOrthod.2016; 14: 65-79. [Crossref]

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents towards Facial Plastic Surgery.

We are conducting research regarding Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception of Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents towards Facial Plastic Surgery. This questionnaire will take 15 minutes to half an hour to complete. There are no right or wrong answers. All information will be kept confidential. Please do not hesitate to ask us to clarify any doubts regarding the survey.

Age

Gender Race: IndianOccupation:

Education Level:

Chinese

PSLE O-level A-level DiplomaOthers (please specify):

Housing: 3-4 room HDB flat 1-2 room HDB flatCondominium/ Executive mansionette

1) Have you had any previous facial trauma?2) Have you had any previous facial plastic surgery?

Malay Others:

Degree Masters

5 room HDB flatBungalow/ Terrace/ Semi- detached

Yes NoYes No

Appendix 1

Overall Q1) Are you aware of Facial plastic surgery in general?

YesNo

Q2) Which of the following has the greatest influence on you regarding aesthetic surgery?

Television, radioInternetPrint (Magazines, Newspaper)Friends, family

Q3) Do you think that aesthetic surgery is more accepted in society today?

YesNo

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

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Q4) How many people do you know personally have undergone aesthetic surgery?

None12-34-5>5

Q5) On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think appearance plays a part in one’s self-confidence? (1 being least important, 5 being most important)

12345

Q6) On a scale of 1-5, how beneficial do you think aesthetic surgery is to boost self-confidence? (1 being least beneficial, 5 being most beneficial)

12345

Q7) On a scale of 1-5, how important and beneficial do you think appearance is to gain employment/work privileges? (1 being least important, 5 being most important)

12345

Q8) On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think 1appearance plays a part in social interaction (making friends, dating, and marriage)? (1 being least important, 5 being most important)

2345

Q9) Have you ever considered undergoing plastic surgery?

Q9a) If Yes, why?

Q9b) If No, why not?

YesNo

Health reasonsTo boost self-confidencePeer pressureMedia influence

CostSatisfied with personal appearanceFear of potential risks to health Aesthetic surgery is against personal beliefs Aesthetic surgery is against religious beliefsDo not like the look of aesthetic surgery

Q10) Please rate the following in order of most compelling reason to undergo aesthetic surgery (1 being LEAST compelling reason and 5 being MOST compelling reason)

Health reasonsTo boost self-confidencePeer pressureMedia influenceTo gain employment benefits

Q11) Please rate the following in order of most compelling reason AGAINST undergoing aesthetic surgery (1 being LEAST compelling reason and 6 being MOST compelling reason AGAINST aesthetic surgery)

CostPotential risk to healthSatisfied with personal appearance Aestheticsurgery is against personal beliefsAesthetic surgery is against personal/religiousbeliefsDo not like the look of aesthetic surgery

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 152 of 155

Page 8: Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery · 2018-07-19 · Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception

Facial plastic surgery Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your facial appearance? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q2) If you could change your appearance, which of the following would you change first? Please rank from 1-13 (1 being least wanting to change, 13 being most wanting to change)

CheeksChinEarsEyesNoseLipsSkinNeckHairForeheadBrowJaw lineOthers, please specify_______________

Q3) Please rank the following in order of importance Symmetry of facefor attractiveness (1 being least important, 10 being most important)

Slim faceHigh cheek bonesLack of sagging skinLack of pigmentation/ scarsLack of wrinklesDouble eye lidNo eye bagsHigher nasal bridgeMore defined nasal tip

Forehead/ eyebrow Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your forehead? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q2) If you could change your forehead, which aspect would you change first?

Thinning of hairReceding hairlineProminent foreheadHorizontal creases across foreheadFrown lines between eyebrowsSagging eyebrowsPeak of eyebrow

Mid face Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your mid-face (cheeks and cheek bones)? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 153 of 155

Page 9: Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery · 2018-07-19 · Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception

Q2) If you could change the middle of your face, which aspect would you change first?

Correction of tear drop crease Correction of midface (flat cheek bones) Correction of sagging midface Correction of downturned corners of lips Correction of depression around the nose andprominent nasolabial folds

Ears Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your ears? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q2) If you could change your ears, which aspect would you change first?

SizeProtrusionShapeSymmetryPosition

Eyes Q1) Please rank the following in order of importance Big eyesfor attractiveness. (1 being least important, 5 being most important)

Long eyelashesDouble eyelidsLack of eye bagsSmooth skin around eyes (lack of wrinkles/ saggingskin)

Q2) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your eyes? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q3) If you could change your eyes, which aspect would you change first?

Bigger eyesLonger eyelashesDouble eyelidsCorrect eye bagsSmooth skin around eyes (lack of wrinkles/ saggingskin)Correct excess skin in upper lid Correct droopy eyelid

Nose Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your nose? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q2) If you could change your nose, which aspect would you change first?

Nose sizeNose widthNostrils widthSymmetry (deviation)ShapeHumpsUpturned tipHigher dorsumBulbous nose tip (More defined tip)

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 154 of 155

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Lips Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your lips? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q2) If you could change your lips, which aspect would you change first?

Shape of lipsVolume of lipsSmoothness of skin around lips (Lack of wrinkles)Symmetry of lips

Chin Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your chin? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q2) If you could change your chin, which aspect Alter buckling of chinwould you change? Correct protruding chin

Correct retruded chinWiden chinLengthen chin

Jaw Q1) On a scale of 1-5, how satisfied are you with your jaw? (1 being least satisfied, 5 being most satisfied)

12345

Q2) If you could change your jaw, which aspect would you change?

Enhanced jaw lineReduced jaw lineRemoval of excess fatsRemoval of sagging skin

Thank you for your participation.

Suzanne T and Sandeep U. Ethnic Variations in Knowledge, Attitude and Perception towards Facial Plastic Surgery. Adv Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017; 1(5): 146-155.

Adv Plast Reconstr Surg, 2017 Page 155 of 155