The "Central Tendency Bias" in the assessment of facial attractiveness in group-based and individual ratings-A survey-based study in 727 volunteers.

BACKGROUND: The increasing number of esthetic procedures emphasizes the need for effective evaluation methods of outcomes. Current practices include the individual practitioners' judgment in conjunction with standardized scales, often relying on the comparison of before and after photographs. This study investigates whether comparative evaluations influence the perception of beauty and aims to enhance the accuracy of esthetic assessments in clinical and research settings. OBJECTIVE: To compare the evaluation of attractiveness and gender characteristics of faces in group-based versus individual ratings. METHODS: A sample of 727 volunteers (average age of 29.5 years) assessed 40 facial photographs (20 male, 20 female) for attractiveness, masculinity, and femininity using a 5-point Likert scale. Each face was digitally edited to display varying ratios in four lip-related proportions: vertical lip position, lip width, upper lip esthetics, and lower lip esthetics. Participants rated these images both in an image series (group-based) and individually. RESULTS: Differences in the perception of the most attractive/masculine/feminine ratios for each lip proportion were found in both the group-based and individual ratings. Group ratings exhibited a significant central tendency bias, with a preference for more average outcomes compared with individual ratings, with an average difference of 0.50 versus 1.00. (p = 0.033) CONCLUSION: A central tendency bias was noted in evaluations of attractiveness, masculinity, and femininity in group-based image presentation, indicating a bias toward more "average" features. Conversely, individual assessments displayed a preference for more pronounced, "non-average" appearances, thereby possibly pointing toward a malleable "intrinsic esthetic blueprint" shaped by comparative context.

Assessment of the Predictive Value of Spectrophotometric Skin Color Parameters and Environmental and Behavioral Factors in Estimating the Risk of Skin Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Keratinocyte carcinomas are the most common cancers with different etiological risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of spectrophotometric parameters of skin color in correlation with environmental/behavioral factors to estimate the risk of skin cancer. The case-control study involved 389 patients. The analysis was performed on the training group to build a predictive model and on the testing group to check the quality of the designed model. Area under the curve based on the spectrophotometric skin parameters varied from 0.536 to 0.674. A statistically significant improvement of the area under curve was achieved by adding the number of sunburns for some models. The best single spectrophotometric measurement for estimating skin cancer is the skin melanin index measured on the arm or buttock. Spectrophotometric skin parameters are not very strong but are essential elements of models for estimating the risk of skin cancer. The most important environmental/behavioral factor seems to be the number of sunburns, but not the total exposure to ultraviolet radiation or usage of photoprotectors. Some other pigmentation predictors should be taken into account when creating new models, especially those that can be easily measured in objective and repeatable way. Spectrophotometric measurements can be employed as quick screening skin examination method.

The Assessment of Nipple Areola Complex Sensation with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments-Normative Values and Its Covariates.

OBJECTIVE: To establish normative data for nipple-areola complex (NAC) sensibility examined with Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test (SWMT) and two-point discrimination (TPD) in women with varying breast sizes, including women with gigantomastia. We also aimed to identify clinical variables influencing NAC sensation. METHODS: A total of 320 breasts in 160 Caucasian women (mean age 33.6 years, SD 11 years) were examined (including 50 hypertrophic breasts). NACs sensation was examined using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments (SWM) and the Weber Two-Point Discrimination Test. RESULTS: The nipple appeared to be the most sensitive part of NAC. In normal-sized breasts, sensation thresholds (SWM) correlated with: age, BMI, history of births, breast size and ptosis (for all locations), breastfeeding history (for nipple and upper areola) and areola diameter (for all locations apart from the nipple). Regression analysis showed that age, cup size and suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance are risk factors for diminished NAC sensation. Sensation thresholds in all NAC locations of hypertrophic breasts were significantly higher compared to normal-sized breasts, while TPD tests did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We provided normative values of NAC sensation (tactile threshold and TPD) for different NAC areas. Our investigation indicated that SWM are useful diagnostic tools when the following factors are considered while examining NAC sensation: location (nipple vs. areola), age, breast size, suprasternal notch-to-nipple distance, history of births and breastfeeding. Hypertrophic breasts presented significantly higher sensation thresholds for all NAC locations. The report may serve as a reference data for further investigations regarding NAC sensation after different breast surgeries.

Gynecomastia Surgery-Impact on Life Quality: A Prospective Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of gynecomastia in the context of quality of life and satisfaction after the surgery. METHODS: Fifty male patients (mean age, 25.1 years [SD = 8 years]) who underwent surgery for gynecomastia and completed both (preoperative and postoperative) stages of the study were included in the analysis. The quality-of-life evaluation instrument was The Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire. Additionally, we used a short questionnaire including 2 questions about patient satisfaction with gynecomastia surgery. RESULTS: The overall change in life satisfaction after gynecomastia surgery was 1 point on Likert scale (sign test, P < 0.0001). Participants after gynecomastia surgery scored significantly higher than before the procedure in all Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire domains as well as in 2 main scales Psychical and Physical Health. The changes were especially visible for the domain social functioning and a scale Psychical Health (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Gynecomastia surgery significantly improved men's life quality in all aspects and especially in the social aspect and psychical health. This indicates that adult men with gynecomastia are a specific group of patients, in which surgery may result in life quality improvement even over the average scores.

Satisfaction with Life and Social Factors in Decision-Making Proces on Breast Reconstruction in Women after Mastectomy.

The aim of the study was to analyse the correlation between satisfaction with life in women after mastectomy and motivation to undergo breast reconstruction, compared to women who after breast amputation did not decide to undergo reconstructive treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparative analysis comprised patients after mastectomy, who decided on breast reconstruction (40) and those who did not undergo reconstructive surgery (40). The study was conducted in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Lodz and Department of Oncological surgery and Breast Diseases ICZMP, Lódz, between 2013-2015. In the study the question whether higher satisfaction with life prompts decision on breast reconstruction was investigated. The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) was used, as well as an original questionnaire. The correlations between statistical parameters were evaluated using the chi-square test. RESULTS: We have demonstrated differences between the level of satisfaction with life in patients who decided to undergo breast reconstruction and those who did not choose reconstructive surgery. The discrepancies may reflect differences in the system of values and level of satisfaction with life before reconstructive treatment and also point to potential effect of these factors on the decision to undergo surgery. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Differences in cognitive structures between 'Amazons' determine the decision on reconstructive treatment. 2. Transfer of information between the therapeutic team and women after mastectomy is not satisfactory. 3. Higher level of satisfaction with life has a positive effect on the decision of breast reconstruction.

Self-assessment of striae gravidarum prophylaxis.

INTRODUCTION: Striae are the most frequently occurring pathology of connective tissue during pregnancy. According to the statistical data, 70-90% of women suffer from striae gravidarum. AIM: To assess effectiveness of topical products and massage used by pregnant women in striae gravidarum prophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The questionnaire study was conducted among 299 women who were maximum 6 months after delivery at term. The questionnaire included questions concerning age, occurrence of striae gravidarum during pregnancy, their location, week of gestation when the lesions appeared and used striae prophylaxis as well as its effectiveness in respondents' opinion. RESULTS: Analysis of the correlation between striae gravidarum occurrence and use of different types of cosmetics showed that this kind of prophylaxis is effective when applied at least twice a day (63.7% vs. 77.6%). No correlation between the type of cosmetics and presence of striae was observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of prophylactic measures like skin emollients and oils with the appropriate frequency significantly reduces the risk of striae gravidarum occurrence.

Family physicians' perception of plastic surgery and its influence on referral. A survey from Poland.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate family physicians' knowledge of plastic surgery might be a barrier for patients to benefit from plastic surgery treatments reimbursed by the Polish National Health Service (NHS). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess family physicians' awareness of the indications for plastic surgery, and their knowledge of conditions that are treated without extra costs for the patient in plastic surgery outpatient clinics (OCs). METHODS: An e-mail survey was carried out in a group of 100 out of 378 randomly selected primary care doctors currently practicing in Lodz, central Poland. Respondents were asked to fill in a questionnaire, which contained questions about conditions with reimbursed treatments in plastic surgery OCs. We also provided them with a list of diseases and asked them to which OC they would refer a patient in such case. RESULTS: 58 primary care physicians responded: 30 specialists in family medicine and 28 residents in the final year of their specialization in family medicine. Respondents had good knowledge of the range of conditions managed in plastic surgery OCs. They were also aware of most of the medical procedures not being reimbursed by the Polish NHS. However, some indications for plastic surgery as well as the free availability of relevant medical procedures were known by less than half of the respondents (e.g. lipoma 47%, gynaecomastia 28%, and xanthelasma palpebrarum 16%). CONCLUSION: To improve collaboration between plastic surgeons and family physicians basic information regarding plastic surgery might be included in residency programmes in family medicine.

[Female-to-male transsexual's stereotype among university men and women on the basis of semantic differential]. / Stereotyp transseksualisty typu kobieta-meiczyzna wsród studentów uczelni wyzszych na podstawie dyferencjalu semantycznego.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine female-to-male transsexual's (FtM) stereotypes created in female and male university students and comparing them in the analysed groups. METHOD: 300 university students (from the Technical University of Lódz, University of Lódz, Medical University of Lódz) received a questionnaire with 10 pairs of the opposite meaning adjectives (good-bad, weak-strong, fast-slow, ugly-pretty, fat-thin, suppressed-loud, clever-stupid, light-heavy, active-passive, kind-cruel) related to a notion 'female -to-male transsexual' and placed on the extremes of the 7-point scales. The respondents also described each adjective as positive, negative or neutral. RESULTS: For most of the adjectives' pairs (fast-slow, ugly-pretty, fat-thin, suppressed-loud, clever-stupid, light-heavy and, in men's answers also good-bad and kind-cruel) the students placed FtM transsexual in the middle of the scales (the median was 4). Women significantly more often than men placed FtM transsexual closer to the adjectives "good", "pretty" and "kind", also they assessed the FtM transsexual more often as being "clever". CONCLUSIONS: 1. The Female-to-male transsexual is not perceived stereotypically among university students. 2. Men created more negative female-to-male transsexuals' image than women.

[Acceptance of transsexualism among university students from Lódz]. / Akceptacja transseksualizmu wsród studentów lódzkich uczelni wyzszych.

UNLABELLED: Transsexualism is one of the gender identity disorders where psychological sex is opposed to anatomical sex. This disorder leads to a discrepancy between the preferred social gender and the biological sex. AIM: The aim of this research is to compare knowledge and attitude toward transsexualism in student's opinion, coming from three universities in Lódz. METHOD: The questionnaire study was performed in the group of 300 students from three universities in Lódz: Technical University of Lódz, University of Lódz, Medical University of Lódz. The questionnaire contained 30 questions related to respondent's sex, birthplace, knowledge about definition and aetiology of transsexualism and also rights which students would grant to transsexuals. RESULTS: The right definition of transsexualism was pointed by 64% of students from Medical University, 57% from Technical University and 40% from University of Lódz. The right to surgical sex change for transsexuals would be granted by 87% of students from the Medical University, 69% from the University of Lódz and 40% from the Technical University. Majority of medical students (90%) and respectively 78% and 57% from the University of Lódz and Technical University would accept a transsexual as his/her co-worker. CONCLUSIONS: Student's knowledge about transsexualism is similar and does not differ from a foreign student's knowledge. Students from natural science studies (medicine and biology) are the most tolerant towards transsexuals.