Posted May 14, 2012 in Beauty, Blog, Plastic Surgery in the News, Uncategorized
In a recent study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal (32 (4) 421-425), Turkish plastic surgeons (B. Sezgin, et. al.) have investigated what women of different ages presenting for facial cosmetic surgery consultation focus upon. They grouped patients into 4 groups, those in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and over 50. Each group was asked what facial feature bothered them the most, as well as which of their facial features they liked the most. The list of facial features included skin, forehead, periorbital region (eyes), eyebrows, cheeks, jawline, lips, and nose.
The top features that women in their 20’s noticed when they looked at themselves in the mirror were their nose and skin. The most liked feature was the lips (36%). The most disliked feature and feature that they wished to change the most was the nose (42%). Remember that this study was conducted in Turkey, home of many a large nose.
Women in their 30’s focused on their skin and periorbital area in the mirror. Their favorite feature was their lips, and most disliked feature again their nose which also was the feature they most wished to change (32%).
Women in their 40’s stated that the periorbital region and their skin was most focused upon in the mirror. Their favorite feature was their nose (apparently by the time most women in Turkey have reached their 40’s they have either had a rhinoplasty, or have grown to love their nose.) The periorbital region was their most disliked, 36% wished to change the area around their eyes.
Women 50 and above focused on their periorbital area and jawline. Again their most liked feature was their nose. The most disliked area was their jawline which along with their periorbital area was the feature that they most desired to change.
In summary, younger women’s self-beauty focal points were their nose, skin, and lips. For older women it was their jawline and periorbital area. Younger patients aim to achieve facial harmony (smaller, hump-free nose), while older patients seek to restore a more youthful appearance (eye and jawline rejuvenation).
Another recent study by I. Springer showed that impaired well-being is associated with impaired facial perception. Isn’t this what Billy Crystal’s character on Saturday Night Live was saying, “When you look Mah-vah-lous, you feel Mah-vah-lous!”? While we are looking at studies, another showed that 20% of patients who undergo cosmetic surgery have a history of psychiatric disorders (on some days around the office it seems a lot higher than that!) 80% of those patients are clinically depressed. Finally, there are multiple studies that have shown that a positive change in appearance can improve psychological well being, as well as symptoms of depression (Botox among treatments that can improve a patient’s attitude).
As Sezgin discusses in his article, “Throughout history, the relationship between a woman and her mirror has made its way into children’s fairy tales and other literature. The tug-of-war between the two can be continuous; if a woman constantly desires to be at peace with her reflection in the mirror and yet she is not, the desire to change and the process of changing begins.” As we have said before, beauty comes from within, from the heart, from a free mind, and if that is not enough, then it may be time to consider an aesthetic consultation with a board certified professional. Be well.
Dr. Michael Persky and Dr. Sarmela Sunder are located in Encino, California and Beverly Hills, California (The Lasky Clinic) but service all of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Including, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Westlake, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills and more. Please subscribe to our blog by clicking the link above, right. Thank you!
