Residual Aesthetic Deformity and Attitudes Towards Plastic Surgery in Domestic Violence Survivors

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-8-2026

Abstract

Domestic violence (DV) remains a prevalent public health issue, with some survivors left with residual aesthetic and functional deformities. Plastic surgeons play a distinct role in treating this population through the management of 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, the current literature remains scarce especially regarding the availability and utilization of pro-bono treatment. Our study aims to assess DV-related residual cosmetic deformity and evaluate DV survivor attitudes towards seeking plastic surgery in this role.

An Institutional Review Board-approved survey study was conducted with DV survivors from January to April 2025. The survey was anonymous and voluntary, and questions assessed injury patterns, self-esteem, attitudes towards plastic surgery, and perceived barriers to seeking care for DV-related residual deformities. The survey was deployed to local DV survivors ≥18 years old at shelters, community centers, and relevant online forums. Surveys with < 70% completion were excluded. Descriptive statistical analyses were completed.

There were 22 individuals (61% completion rate) who self-reported as DV victims. A residual cosmetic injury was present for 54.5% of respondents for at least 5 years. Injuries were described as marks or scars in 45.5% and misshapen facial features, with teeth, lips, and jaws most commonly reported, in 27.3%. 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. Although no participants reported previous plastic surgery procedures, 31.8% of respondents stated they were likely or extremely likely to seek treatment via plastic surgery. A plastic surgeon with prior experience working with victims of DV was "very important" for 68.2% of respondents. 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.

DV survivors experience residual cosmetic deformities from abuse primarily as scars and deformed facial features. This may translate to the BODY-Q findings of moderately high stress and below-average body image. DV survivors appear to be amenable to plastic surgery-based treatment especially when surgeons have experience with this population. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding financially conservative means for this medical care. Future work should explore the benefits of connecting DV survivors to pro-bono and low cost plastic surgery care.

Comments

2026 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 8, 2026. Abstract 2067

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