Psychometric validation of the FACE-Q Aesthetics Satisfaction with Temples scale in individuals seeking minimally invasive treatment to improve temple hollowing.

Background: The FACE-Q Aesthetics is used extensively to measure patient reported outcomes for minimally invasive and surgical facial aesthetic treatments. We recently developed a new FACE-Q scale to assess satisfaction with the appearance of the temples.

Aim: The aim of this study was to field test the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Temples scale to examine its psychometric properties.

Methods: The FACE-Q Satisfaction with Temples scale was administered to 171 adults (22 years or older) seeking minimally invasive treatment to improve temple hollowing as part of a clinical trial. The severity of temple hollowing was established through the clinician-reported Allergan Temple Hollowing scale (clinician-rated). The psychometric properties of the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Temples scale were established by testing Rasch Measurement Theory (RMT) assumptions and model fit; unidimensionality by principal component analysis; and construct validity by hypothesis testing.

Results: The study sample consisted of 171 adults (mean age 54.7 ± 9.9, range, 25-82 years). RMT analysis provided evidence for the scientific soundness of a 12-item Satisfaction with Temples scale. The data fit the Rasch model (χ = 20.47, df = 24, p = 0.67), all items had ordered thresholds, and good item fit. Scale reliability was high, with Person Separation Index and Cronbach alpha values with and without extremes ≥0.93. Principal component analysis revealed a single component with high factor coefficients. Construct validity was established as scores for the Satisfaction with Temples and Face Overall scales were correlated (r = 0.623, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The FACE-Q Satisfaction with Temples scale is a reliable and valid measure that can be used in clinical practice and research to measure outcomes following treatment for temple hollowing.