Recently, a study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons looked at whether genetic or environmental factors play a bigger role in how old we appear. Conducted by Dr. Bahaman Guyuron of University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the study looked at 186 pairs of identical twins and compared their appearance and environmental factors through questionnaires and digital images.
“In this study, we looked at identical twins because they are genetically programmed to age exactly the same, and in doing so we essentially discovered that, when it comes to your face, it is possible to cheat your biological clock,” said Dr. Bahaman.
The study showed the twins who had been through divorce appeared approximately two years older than those who had not. Anti-depressant use and weight were also shown to make an impact on how old the subjects looked. Those who used anti-depressants were perceived as looking older than those who did not. This is attributed to sagging cause the relaxation of facial muscles due to anti-depressant use.
As far as the subjects’ weight is concerned, in those younger than 40, the heavier subjects were perceived as looking older, while the reverse was true in those older than 40. This research is said to show that volume replacement is a key to successful facial rejuvenation.
Weight loss, though a healthy for most, can negatively affect a person’s appearance in both the face, breasts and body, especially in those over 40 who may no longer have the skin elasticity to compensate. In these instances, facial volume replacement, through fillers and fat transfer can help, as well as body lift techniques, tummy tucks and breast lift and/or breast augmentation. Baltimore plastic surgeon, Dr. Cohen, offers facial rejuvenation as well as breast and body procedures to those wishing to turn back the hands of time at his plastic surgery center in Maryland. Though “cheating your biological clock” by controlling ones environment seems like a great idea, avoiding factors such as divorce, weight loss, stress or anti-depressant use isn’t a plausable option for many. Learning how to counteract the effects those factors play on our appearance, however, is getting easier and easier all the time through the advancement of surgical and non-surgical techniques.
