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Residual Aesthetic Deformity and Attitudes Towards Plastic Surgery in Domestic Violence Survivors
Sam Girian
2, Swetha Reddy
*1, John A. Girotto
3, Ronald Ford
31Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI; 2Helen DeVos Chidren's Hospital/Corewell Health West Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI; 3Department of Plastic Surgery, Corewell Health West/Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI
Background: Domestic violence (DV) remains a prevalent public health issue, with some survivors left with residual aesthetic deformity. Plastic surgeons play a distinct role in treating this population, managing facial fractures and complex soft tissue lacerations in the trauma setting, as well as corrective aesthetic surgery in outpatient clinics. Despite this intersection between plastic surgery and DV survivorship, current literature remains scarce with a further disconnect for pro-bono treatment. Our study aims to assess DV-related residual cosmetic deformity and evaluate DV survivor attitudes toward aesthetic surgery.
Methods: An anonymous survey was deployed from January to April 2025 assessing DV survivor injury patterns, self-esteem, and attitudes regarding plastic surgery. The survey was distributed in partnership with local DV shelters and relevant online forums.
Results: 22 (61% completion rate) individuals who self-reported as DV victims completed the survey. 54.5% stated the presence of a residual cosmetic injury for at least 5 years. 45.5% described injury as marks or scars, while 27.3% described their injury as misshapen facial features, with teeth, lips, and jaw most reported. Although no participants reported previous plastic surgery procedures, 31.8% of respondents stated they were likely or extremely likely to seek treatment in the future, while 68.2% stated that a plastic surgeon with prior experience working with victims of DV was "very important." No participants were aware of resources providing pro-bono or discounted plastic surgery procedures to DV survivors and 72.7% stated financial barriers as a concern for seeking plastic surgery. Mean RASCH scores for BODY-Q Appearance Related Psychological Stress, Body Image, and Psychological Function surveys were 60.86 (±26.26), 38.05 (±25.48), and 49.95 (±28.30), respectively.
Conclusion: DV survivors experience residual cosmetic deformities secondary to abuse. This population may benefit from resources that connect them to qualified surgeons to treat aesthetic concerns.
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