FACE-Q | Aesthetics

CONCEPT-DRIVEN APPROACH

FACE-Q | Aesthetics is a rigorously developed patient-reported outcome measure that can be used to measure outcomes for any type of surgical or minimally invasive facial aesthetic treatment. This FACE-Q module has been used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of facial aesthetic treatments in numerous clinical trial settings and to inform patient care in clinical practice. FACE-Q | Aesthetics was developed from concept elicitation interviews with 50 patients having one or more surgical or minimally invasive treatments. To establish content validity, we conducted 35 cognitive debriefing interviews and obtained input from 26 experts. FACE-Q | Aesthetics was then field-tested in an international sample of patients. Since its publication in 2013, FACE-Q | Aesthetics has been licensed for use by over 1200 clinicians and researchers in more than 50 countries.

MODULAR DESIGN

The conceptual framework for FACE-Q | Aesthetics covers 3 domains: appearance, health-related quality of life, and adverse effects. Each domain is composed of multiple independently functioning scales. The variety of scales provides flexibility to choose the subset of scales best suited to measure the outcomes of interest in any given study or clinical situation. An advantage of the modular structure, with individually scored scales, means it is possible to add new scales to fill any gap as these are identified. To this end, our team conducted 15 new concept elicitation interviews and developed a temple appearance scale. More scales will be added to the FACE-Q based on a new qualitative study our team is currently performing.

Advancing Knowledge &
Improving Health Outcomes

RESEARCH

Used in research studies and clinical trials for a range of aesthetic treatments and products. See the 2022 systematic reviews by Hoffman & Fabi and Ottenhof et al.

INDUSTRY

Qualified by USA FDA as Medical Device Development Tool (MDDT) for use in research studies.

BENCHMARKING

Included in the UK Royal College of Surgeons national cosmetic surgery quality improvement initiative to measure outcomes for specific procedures.

PATIENT CARE

Used in clinical practice to measure outcomes from the patient perspective.

SCALE STRUCTURE

The FACE-Q module includes 34 independently functioning scales and 6 checklists that measure outcomes important to patients from their perspective. The FACE-Q modular approach allows clinicians and researchers to administer the subset of scales relevant to their situation.

In April 2022, 11 FACE-Q scales were qualified by the USA FDA as Medical Device Development Tools (MDDT). The qualified scales measure appearance (face, cheeks, lips, skin, nasolabial folds, and glabella lines), and health-related quality of life (aging appraisal, early life impact of treatment, satisfaction with outcome, psychological function, and social function).

FACIAL APPEARANCE

A comprehensive set of 24 scales measure appearance. Of this set, 17 scales measure appearance of the face overall and of specific facial features and areas, and 7 scales measure the appearance of facial lines overall and in specific areas of the face (e.g., nasolabial folds).

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE

Two scales can be used to screen patient for unrealistic expectations and appearance-related distress. Age-related concerns are measured by an age appraisal scale and an age visual analogue scale. Recovery following treatment is measured by 2 scales. The final 4 scales measure psychological and social function, satisfaction with the decision to have treatment, and the overall outcome of treatment.

ADVERSE EFFECTS

There are 6 checklists that can be used to measure adverse effects associated with aesthetic treatments. These checklists cover the cheeks, lower face and neck area, eyes, forehead, eyebrows and scalp area, lips, nose, and skin.