4 Key Benefits of Facelift Surgery
Most people who consider facelift surgery are primarily interested in looking younger. We tell our New York facelift patients that, while results vary from individual to individual, this goal is certainly attainable.
Researchers have performed studies to give people an idea what to expect in terms of turning back the clock. In one example, a 2012 University of Toronto research project discovered that patients look an average of about seven years younger after a facelift. In another study the previous year, a board certified plastic surgeon in Kansas found that women rate themselves as looking a dozen years younger after facelift surgery.
But it turns out that looking more youthful is just one potential benefit of facial cosmetic surgery. Earlier this month, results of a new study were released that suggest female patients may also show improvement in other highly desirable personality traits following facelift surgery.
An article in the Journal of the American Medical Association detailed the research performed to illuminate changes in a woman’s “facial profile” after cosmetic surgery. The scientists had raters evaluate the before and after photographs of 30 female patients who had undergone facelift surgery. Some had related procedures such as eyelid lifts and neck lifts as well.
The raters were asked to score the patients on eight personality traits. Results for four traits showed statistically significant improvement: attractiveness, femininity, social skills and likeability. The scores for four other traits—aggressiveness, extroversion, risk seeking and trustworthiness—did not change.
The results of the study may not seem too surprising. Society places such a high value on youthfulness; it’s no wonder women who are perceived to look younger after surgery may also rate well on personality traits often associated with females. But the researchers point out two key findings to consider:
- Facial profiling—the act of attributing personality characteristics by visual observation—involves dimensions other than sheer youthfulness
- This is the first time an attempt has been made to quantify the changes in other personality traits following facial cosmetic surgery
It’s good to see research continuing on various aspects of facelifts. We welcome these studies and use them with our patients as one tool to help them with expectations. Combined with detailed physical examinations, health evaluations and lifestyle information, we create a plan for each unique individual and ensure our patients achieve results in line with their expectations when they elect facelift surgery in New York with us.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, contact us online or call 212-570-6080.
