Overview

• The Tilburg University study asked 2,720 judges to rate before-and-after photos of 114 people treated with Botox.
• Botox injections raised perceived attractiveness by an average of just 0.07 points on a seven-point scale.
• Researchers observed a significant boost in short-term romantic and platonic desirability but no change in long-term partner appeal.
• Smiling increased attractiveness by approximately 0.4 points and makeup by about 0.6 points, far outpacing Botox.
• The treatment had no effect on perceived intelligence, charisma or trustworthiness, indicating any social edge likely arises from users’ increased confidence.