Most people agree with the common phrase, “don’t judge a book by its cover!” We all want to believe that we look beyond physical appearance to get to know people for who they are and not make assumptions based on their looks.
However, that’s rarely the case. Most people associate faces with a person’s personality and their general appearance, so when you have facial scarring or disfigurement, it means you seem less approachable to a majority of the population
According to a study published in 2010, most victims of facial disfigurement suffer from anxiety and depression after their injuries, leading to poor social image and less social interactions. It shows that people tend to judge a book by its cover, whether they admit it or not.
The pain beneath the skin
Along with limited social interactions and higher risks for depression and anxiety, patients with facial disfigurements tend to withdraw themselves from friends and family after the injury. The researchers suggested part of the reasoning is family members and friends may cause facial injuries in the first place.
There is also the possibility that the patient is isolating themselves to avoid the negative stigma that comes with facial disfigurements. For example, relatives may treat you like a different person once they notice the physical scarring.
There is also a high chance for PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. If the facial injuries came from a life-threatening event, the victim may suffer from additional stress by relieving the trauma through dreams, withholding specific memories or experiencing other psychological symptoms.
The pain of facial scarring goes beyond the skin. It travels through physical pain and affects the entire personality of a specific person. Surgery may help alleviate some of the physical and emotional pain, but it’s incredibly expensive and challenging for patients to afford.
However, if you or a loved one sustained injuries due to an accident, there is a possibility for compensation. Look into the details or your case and decide if seeking more medical treatments is the right path for you.