Work

Smiling in the East and the West: Anatomical, cultural and sociological considerations in facial reanimation surgery

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The importance of the smile as a means of communicative and metacommunicative signal in social engagement has been known and highlighted in studies dating back to the early 19th century. It remains a cornerstone of reconstructive surgeries for the paralyzed face. This paper calls attention to the differences between the Eastern and Western smile. Anatomical, cultural, and sociological peculiarities inform the way these populations smile and the way smiling itself is perceived. Reconstructive surgery of today would benefit from considering these aspects and allowing them to individualize the goals of reanimation procedures.

Source: JPRAS Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2025.10.033

Authors: Stefanos Tsallas, Andres Rodriguez-Lorenzo, Chieh-Han John Tzou

Institutions: General Hospital of Athens G. Genimatas, Göttlicher Heiland Krankenhaus Wien, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Sigmund Freud Privatuniversität Wien

Language: English

Topic: Facial Nerve Paralysis Treatment and Research

Subfield: Neurology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,920