Measuring outcomes for temple hollowing treatment: Content validity of new and existing FACE-Q scales.

BACKGROUND The FACE-Q, a validated, modular patient-reported outcome measure with global uptake, currently does not have a scale to measure the appearance of the temples. Objectives of our study were to develop a new FACE-Q scale for appearance of temples and assess content validity of two existing FACE-Q scales in the context of temple hollowing: Satisfaction with Facial Appearance and Psychological Function. METHODS A heterogeneous sample of adults who were seeking or had received treatments for temple hollowing was recruited from three outpatient clinics in the United States. Semi-structured interviews using an interpretive description approach were completed to elicit concepts and generate an item pool and assess content validity of the two existing FACE-Q scales. The item pool data were used to develop preliminary Temple scale, which was refined based on patient and expert feedback. RESULTS Participants (N = 15, 55 ± 9 years) described a range of esthetic concerns related to temple hollowing and its treatment. The data were used to draft the FACE-Q Satisfaction with Temples scale, which was refined through input from patients (N = 12) and clinicians (N = 5), resulting in a 16-item FACE-Q Satisfaction with Temples scale. The scale covers concepts of fullness, harmony, scenarios (eg, mirror, bright lights), age, and shape. Content validity of the two existing FACE-Q scales was substantiated. CONCLUSION The FACE-Q Satisfaction with Temples scale fills an important gap in patient-reported outcome measurement in facial esthetics. The scale will be field-tested to finalize content and develop the scoring algorithm prior to implementation in clinical practice and research.