We have all seen the look. The woman or man who sits there viewing you with disdain or even contempt. You feel socially uncomfortable and, of course, you don't warm to them. If this is in the context of a first date it pushes away the chances of a second encounter or in a business situation it might push you towards a competitor. This is the Resting Bitch Face Syndrome, here's what its all about.
Yet, this person might not feel any animosity towards you and what you are perceiving as disdain might just be a case of RBF (resting bitch face). Now we know that whilst cosmetic surgeons sometimes create problems that are looking for solutions, the RBF might actually be a facial disability that a skilled surgeon can correct and that will make you more loveable and approachable.
Some people’s mouths naturally raise on one side when they are resting, causing them to look contemptuous even though they’re feeling neutral. This can cause lots of problems since people subconsciously have negative reactions to expressions of contempt because it is the universal facial expression for hatred and arrogance. Ageing can also cause extra wrinkling on the brow which can made the face seems scowling or unfriendly.
Meet the Kardashians
Like many new trends there is some suggestion that RBF awareness is ‘Kardashian' influenced.
“This is actually a common request from patients — I get several each week,” says Dr. David Shafer, a double board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director of Shafer Plastic Surgery & Laser Center in Midtown.
It’s because of a public shift in focus from the upper to lower face — “popularized by the Kardashians, and their affinity for lip injections” says Dr David Schafer in a recent NYT interview.
He says selfies are also a factor: They force people to “look down at their phone, [which] accentuates the resting bitch face.”
Here's the RBF Science Bit ..
Jason Rogers, a behavioural neuroscientist ran neutral pictures of celebrity faces through a face-scanning software to discover the differences between those who have resting bitch face and those who don’t. He found that a typical neutral face will only register approximately 3% of hidden emotions. So, their faces do in fact look neutral. People with resting bitch face however show an average of 6% underlying emotions and most of that is contempt. Full contempt is shown when one side of the mouth is slightly raised.
Kristen Stewart is seen as the ‘poster girl for RBFPeople are not generally looking for a ‘Joker smile' but rather a subtle adjustment to their resting face. To achieve the look, doctors use techniques such as the injection of fillers into the face and sometimes Botox, medical experts said. The procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes, costs between $500-5,000, with top docs, depending on the number of shots. It typically lasts up to two years. A tiny bit of bruising and swelling can occur near the mouth and lips, but “it’s barely noticeable,
Botox or Dysport can wipe out the vertical lines between the forehead. This area is called the glabella. A major contributor to the appearance of Resting bitch face can be attributed to the permanent scowl created from these frown lines. If you have etched lines in the glabella, even at rest, then Botox or Dsyport can help improve RBF.
Do You Have RBF?
If you want a bit of fun you can use an tool to check if you suffer from RBF. There is an RBF test tool available so you can measure your own contempt rating. If you do score high on this tool we suggest that you contact one of the specialised surgeons listed below who will make sure that you project a carefully honed celebrity image to the world. If you do contact any of these specialists please mention you found them through us rather than from your highly paid publicist.
RBF Menu of Procedures
Here is a summary of recommended surgeries for ‘expression management'. Anyway it will provide a basic roadmap for you and your chosen surgeon.
(NB before you go ahead check this Buzzfeed list of reasons to keep your Resting Bitch Face or Bro face).
Lips: Filler or fat injections to restore fullness and soften scowl lines/folds around the mouth or lips – look friendlier, happier.
Eyelids: Botox can make the eyes look more open and rested. An eyelid lift for the upper eyelids or chemical peel or laser for the lower eyelids is the more advanced version.
Nose: Rhinoplasty to feminize the nose.
Brows: Proper aesthetic brow waxing/shaping, or Botox to lift, better shape, better arch the brows or a browlift procedure – all for a more open, awake and less stressed look
Forehead : Botox works best for smoothing out these classic frown lines.
Please note, this article is just to let you know what RBF is all about. We are not recommending that women (even celebrities) should be considering expression management surgery. Every surgical procedure entails a certain degree of risk.
Dr Shafer is a top midtown cosmetic surgeon. He deals with an illustrious clientele and is quite an expert on 'expression management' surgery - RBF (resting bitch face). He also does brilliant work in all standard procedures . 535 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10017 +1212.888.7770
Dr. Paul Nassif is a knowledgeable, highly trained Beverly Hills facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose pioneering techniques have gained worldwide acclaim from his patients, his peers, and the media. Dr. Nassif’s distinguished background allows him to treat patients with even the most critical, complex cases, leading to him being known as the plastic surgeon who is “Trusted with Noses Worldwide®.” Specialising in revision and ethnic rhinoplasty, 120 South Spalding Drive #301 +1310)3616910
Dr Julian De Silva is a renowned surgeon who specialises in only facial plastic surgery . With an international client base and use of pioneering regenerative medicine, he has built a reputation natural looking signature blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, face and neck lift surgery. Voted internationally as one of the top 10 plastic surgeons in the world. 23 Harley Street +02087482860
With well over 10.000 cosmetic surgeries to his credit Italian-born Dr Marcellino is an established surgeon on the European scene. He is a member of the most prestigious international professional bodies of surgery, He has a strong Italian love of the aesthetic and is deeply interested in the psycho-physical wellness of his clients. He works on a wide range of operations and is especially well regarded for facelifts and tummy tucks. The London Welbeck Hospital 27 Welbeck Street, London, W1G 8EN Via Felice Giordano, 8 - 00197 - Rome (RM), Italy +44 (0) 20 7205 2441
This prestigious Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery clinic run by Davis and Eugene Kim combine artistic insight with surgical expertise, Dr. David Kim is committed to excellence with every aesthetic procedure he approaches.He performs a full spectrum of plastic surgery procedures and he is highly sought after for his natural breast augmentation and rhinoplasty results. This is a very demanding marketplace so it is certain that Dr Kim would feature on your California shortlist. Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon +1310 746-5475 See website for financing options
Unlike many traditional plastic surgery centers in San Diego, they are industry-recognised experts in a wide variety of cosmetic procedures and are proud that they offer 'scarless surgery'. Address: 11515 El Camino Real #150 +1858-264-3800
Mr Harris has been a Consultant Plastic Surgeon for over ten years. He aspires to the highest level of care for his patients, working at three of London’s most prestigious hospitals. He is assisted in his practice by two permanent administrative staff, two anaesthetic consultants and three specialist nurses in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery. Mr Harris is one an elite group of surgeons who have been in the public eye on TV and in the press. He is highly reputed for breast surgery. 5 Devonshire Place +4420 7927 6521
1. Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue New York USA
Dr. Shafer has integrated this depth of clinical knowledge and advanced technique into his Manhattan-based practice that offers both surgical and non-invasive solutions. Dr. Shafer is a National Master peer trainer for fundamental and advanced techniques on BOTOX® 
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2. Nassif MD Clinic California USA
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3. Dr Julian De Silva, 23 Harley Street, London
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4. Dr Massimo Marcellino London UK
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5. Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon California USA
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6. Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa San Diego USA
As a triple board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Lee aspires to help patients achieve a “natural” look. To accomplish this goal, he works with patients to understand their plastic surgery goals and ensure they look and feel refreshed and youthful – without appearing fake.
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7. Paul Harris Clinic London UK
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