The Social Consequences of Facial Disfigurement

The face is important in human relationships, and a facially impaired person is therefore disadvantaged. In this study, the causes and social consequences of facial disfigurement are considered, the means whereby people adapt to revised appearance are explored, and an evaluation is made of professional help. Suggestions are offered for improving the contribution of social work to rehabilitation. Four theoretical perspectives are presented. From sociology it is seen that facially disfigures people have difficulty in managing their differences. From anthropology, it is evident that those with facial disfigurement encounter problems in social relations. An analysis of professional literature shows the need for professions to be sensitive to the vulnerabilities of the patient, and the need for open communication between professionals. The social impact of surgery and disfigurement on peoples are evaluated. Lessons learned from people who have been disfigured are drawn out, including points of stress, and ways in which individuals have managed them.
It argues that social work has contributed little in this field but it has much to offer - assessment, resource brokerage, advocacy, linking with the hospital, groupwork, and counselling. A model is proposed for counselling facially disfigured people, drawing on social work, deviance, and psycho-dynamic theories.