Age-stratified Discrepancy Between Expectations and Satisfaction in Facial Cosmetic Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the impact of age on psychological expectations and postoperative satisfaction in facial aesthetic surgery patients.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 248 patients who underwent facial rejuvenation surgery between January 2024 and January 2025. Patients were grouped by age and evaluated using the FACE-Q tool.
RESULTS: Younger patients had significantly higher preoperative expectations and appearance-related stress than older patients (P < 0.001). While both groups showed improved postoperative satisfaction, younger patients had lower overall satisfaction (P < 0.001). Age and preoperative expectations were found to be independent risk factors for dissatisfaction.
CONCLUSION: Younger patients had higher preoperative expectations but lower postoperative satisfaction. Age and psychological expectations significantly influence satisfaction, highlighting the need for better expectation management in younger patients to improve outcomes.
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