Appearance as We Age: It’s Not Everything, But It Counts

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When it comes to aging, it’s all relative. A 40-year old can say he or she is becoming middle-aged while those of us in the third trimester of life laugh out loud at such a statement, calling them mere children.

But at what age do we lament the physical effects of aging? These days med spas are seeing younger and younger clients striving to freeze their looks in time, while the rest of us wonder what we could have done differently all those years ago before all these places existed. That is — apart from going under the knife to be stretched.

As we gaze on the faces of actors who did face and neck lifts (some of whom may now appear like distorted versions of their former selves) we wonder — what did it really do for them? Save them from prematurely playing mothers and grandmothers on screen? What if their investment in their looks actually helped them feel not only more confident, but also extended their lives in some way?

In researching this, I came across a number of plastic surgeons claiming that people who have facelifts live longer on average than those who don’t. Where they get their proof is anyone's ball game. But even if no one can claim the procedure can cause a lifespan boost, it's definitely a topic of conversation during Friday night margaritas on girls' night out. According to Alex Zharonkov Ph.D., founder of the AI-based company Deep Longevity, “the way you perceive yourself in the mirror” is an aging biomarker and an active area of research.

Beyond physical transformations, cosmetic procedures can have a significant impact on self-esteem and overall confidence — even if the results of it are evident only to you. If addressing specific concerns about your appearance that might have been causing you distress — such as a feature you’ve never liked or a major change brought about by aging or illness — it stands to reason that targeting those areas can impact how you see yourself. Self perception is everything, after all. So if “doing something about” what bothers you about your appearance can provide you with the opportunity to align your outer appearance with how you envision yourself, self-confidence can follow. Even if it lasts only a few years, the quality of life you might experience by taking care of your appearance may be worth it.

Spa procedures such as micro-needling or skin resurfacing can offer your skin some forgiveness for all those years of baby oil and iodine use as you baked in the sun from spring to winter time (just ask us baby boomers). Beyond that, a facelift, bust boost or reduction, or a body contouring procedure can foster a greater sense of self-empowerment as long as you are doing it to please yourself and no one else. Many plastic surgeons will refuse to proceed with requests of patients that have unrealistic expectations or are doing it to keep a significant other and will send them on their way.

Improving your appearance, whether through diet and exercise, skin treatments, or undergoing cosmetic surgery, can kick-start a positive feedback loop. This cycle of positivity can extend to various aspects of your life, influencing your attitude towards challenges and opportunities. Many geriatric experts agree that having a high level of optimism was associated with longer lifespan. While lifestyle factors (such as regular exercise and healthy eating) account for some of it, other factors may be at play, such as a. healthy self-perception.

While I am not advocating that we older folks run the nearest med spa or plastic surgeon (nor can many of us afford it), it is important to note that we need not apologize for being careful custodians of our appearance — if for no other reason than to feel great about the future.

Hey, it ain’t over ’til it’s over.