Psychosocial Differences Between Transgender Individuals With and Without History of Nonsurgical Facial Injectables

Abstract

Abstract Background Considerable research has explored psychosocial characteristics of individuals who seek aesthetic procedures as well as psychological changes experienced after successful treatment. Little research, however, has explored the experiences of transgender individuals who have undergone nonsurgical injectable procedures (NSIPs). Objectives This study examined theoretically relevant psychosocial characteristics of transgender individuals who have and have not undergone NSIPs. Methods An online survey of demographic and psychosocial constructs was disseminated through transgender-specific support groups and Facebook groups from December 2019 to February 2020. Psychosocial measures included self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Inventory), anticipated discrimination (Intersectional-Anticipated Discrimination), gender identity and physicality congruence (Transgender Congruence Scale), body image (Body Image Quality of Life Inventory), and overall satisfaction with facial appearance (FACE-Q Face Overall). The Mann–Whitney U test assessed differences by history of NSIPs, and the Kruskal–Wallis test assessed gender and racial differences. A P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results Participants (N = 101) were transfeminine (n = 58), transmasculine (n = 31), gender-diverse (n = 12), and mostly (71%) white. Almost two-thirds of respondents (62%) reported using NSIPs; 6 participants reported undergoing NSIPs from non-licensed providers. History of NSIPs was associated with greater self-esteem (P < 0.01), less anticipated discrimination (P < 0.01), greater physicality and gender identity congruence(P < 0.001), greater body image quality of life (P < 0.001), and greater satisfaction with overall facial appearance (P < 0.01). Conclusions Use of NSIPs was associated with more positive psychosocial symptoms. Experiences with NSIPs may play an important role in psychosocial functioning for transgender individuals. Level of Evidence: 3