Takes years off, but not solution

New research by a team of plastic surgeons from the University of Toronto suggests patients who have facial plastic surgery look an average of 7.2 years younger than their real age.

In the study, medical students were asked to estimate the age of 60 patients aged from 45 to 72 years using photos of them before and after surgery. Patients who had undergone several procedures were perceived to look even younger.

The findings of the study, Perceived Age Change After Aesthetic Facial Surgical Procedures, published in the journal Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, are “important given their statistical significance”.

Dr Jeremy Hunt, a plastic surgeon in Sydney and spokesperson for the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, welcomed the study.

“It confirms what has been our perception as plastic surgeons and is a valid representation of what surgical facial rejuvenation can achieve. I think it is reasonable for women considering surgical rejuvenation to expect something in the vicinity of a seven year benefit or gain,” Dr Hunt says, adding “generally speaking, in my practice, women don’t want to change the way they look, they simply want to look younger.”

Dr Hunt says he has seen an increase in the number of people seeking non-surgical solutions to ageing.

“If you look at the trends coming from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there is certainly an increase in the number of non-surgical interventions such as Botox and the use of fillers, and I think Australia is embracing those products at the same kind of rate as the United States,” he says.

This year alone, Australians will reportedly spend about $850 million on plastic surgery, according to an IbisWorld study. The most popular procedures include breast reduction, liposuction, and rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery.

Any medical doctor or specialist can perform cosmetic procedures, but plastic surgeons have to undertake at least seven years of additional training.

“Ask whether a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic surgeon is going to be best for your needs. In particular, when it comes to cosmetic surgeons, have a conversation with them about what sort of experience they have, how many times they have undertaken that particular procedure and what qualifications they have,” Dr Hunt recommends.

“It is really important to talk about the risks. If they don’t raise it, you need to raise it.”

However, if you are intent on the pursuit of youth through surgery, many plastic surgeons claim the “best results” arise when cosmetic procedures are combined with “a healthy diet, ample hydration, regular physical activity, sun protection and an overall healthy lifestyle”.

“Remember, despite the best efforts of plastic surgeons to deliver a more youthful appearance it is not their objective to circumvent nature’s progression. The ageing process is relentless and certainly an inevitable reality.”

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