A critical analysis on quality-of-life in women with visible facial disfigurements.

Aims: This study aimed to examine whether surgical treatment for a facial disfigurement influenced an individual's quality of life.

Methods and results: One-on-one interviews were conducted with the aim of synthesizing participant's medical experiences into common themes. Additionally, participants completed the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. The WHOQL-BREF is a standardized testing instrument with four domains of 26 questions, meant to analyze participants' overall quality of health, physical health, psychological status, social relationships, and environmental health. Our study revealed that women with visible facial differences experienced a quality of life below the average of the general population. However, in those who reported above-average quality of life, a key theme emerged: active participation in the choice to undergo surgical treatment. Participants who felt this sense of agency in the decision-making process also reported a more positive healthcare experience. They felt more respected by others, indicating a strong connection between personal agency, surgical choices, and overall well-being.

Conclusions: These findings reveal that personal agency plays an important role in the decision-making process for patients undergoing surgical treatment for facial differences, as it improves quality of life and has a positive impact on overall healthcare experience and well-being.