In a small experiment, 50 raters guessed the age and ranked the attractiveness of 49 plastic surgery patients, aged 42-73, as seen in photographs before and after surgery.
Patients had all types of face surgical procedures, including brow-lifts, face-lifts, and neck-lifts.
Here's the good news: raters thought that patients looked 3.1 years younger, on average, than their real age after surgery. In contrast, attractiveness scores did not show a statistically significant change following surgery, the study said. This was the outcome regardless of the cosmetic procedure or the age of the patient.
Describing one limitation of the study, the authors note that "rating attractiveness is perhaps more subjective than guessing one's age," and "further investigation is warranted to verify these findings."
Plastic surgery remains a worldwide phenomenon with Americans leading the trend.
My Decision to Get a Nose Job Was About Much More Than Looks
As far back as I can remember, I've hated my nose. Despised it.
All of my body insecurity and self-confidence issues were tied in some way to this protruding lump in the middle of my face. It didn’t suit my face, it overwhelmed my other features. I felt like whenever I walked into a room, my nose was the first thing people noticed about me.
I desperately tried to accept my nose as a part of me. I’d even make jokes about it. But I couldn’t help but feel my life would be so different if I didn't have this one facial feature that completely took over. I’d go on holidays with my friends and family and have a fabulous time — but seeing photos from the trip that captured me in profile would bring me to tears.
So by 21, I’d had enough. But I’d also resigned myself to the fact that surgery was out of the question. Surely that was something only celebrities or wealthy people did? It was bound to go wrong on a “normal” person, right? Still, I couldn’t help at least looking into it. And in the end, I actually spent a large part of my second year of university getting quotes from private surgeons from all over the world. But they all came back at over $9,000, which my student budget couldn’t afford. And I didn’t want to haggle a bargain when it was something on my face that I’d have to live with forever.
But then one evening, everything changed.
I spotted a post from a fellow blogger friend who had undergone a rhinoplasty procedure with a London-based cosmetic surgery clinic, Transform. Her results looked extremely natural and there were several finance options available. I booked an appointment.
Six months later, a week after I’d finished my exams, I was undergoing surgery.
Walking myself to the operating table knowing that I’d wake up with a different nose was the most surreal experience ever. Anxiousness, anticipation, excitement.
Will I look like a different person?
Will anyone notice?
Will I still be me?
Will anything change?
Well, actually — everything changed. Within the first month of having the procedure, I felt confident enough to experiment with makeup, and I landed a huge work opportunity! I also cut my hair for the first time in six years. (I’d wanted to grow it as long as possible to detract attention from my nose.) And, having experienced a breakup, I tried dating again. For the first time, I took a chance dating someone I’d never met before —previously, I’d only go on dates with people I’d met through friends.
In hindsight, I can’t quite believe how different I am as a person and how much of my self-confidence I attached to my nose. After the surgery, my confidence skyrocketed. I felt like I could throw myself into the career I wanted to chase after, without being held back by the stigma I had tied to my nose.
I felt like I finally had the face I was always supposed to have, with all of my features working with one another rather than one overwhelming the rest.
My advice when it comes to cosmetic surgery
Cosmetic surgery is obviously a huge decision and one that certainly shouldn’t be taken lightly. You are altering your body — permanently. And the effects aren’t just physical, they’re emotional, too. If you are thinking about any kind of surgery yourself, I implore you to read this first:
1. Manage your expectations
I think the single most important thing when undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery is to manage your expectations, because this is where surgery can go very wrong. One thing I really appreciated about my surgeon was that he assured me that his key vision was to ensure my nose still suited my face. It’s dangerous to go in and ask for “Angelina Jolie’s nose,” for example, or to expect to emulate someone else. Surgery is about enhancing what you already have, not giving you something new altogether. For the most natural look, you want something that is going to be in proportion with your other features and work in harmony with them — so your surgeon should make that their goal, too.
2. There is no such thing as ‘perfect’
Striving for perfection is another common mishap when it comes to cosmetic surgery, and that’s dangerous. Because, quite frankly, perfection doesn’t exist. If you strive for a “perfect nose” you're unfortunately going to be setting yourself up for disappointment. Aim for a nose (or feature) that works in better harmony with the rest of you. Remember, it’s not about emulating anyone else — it’s about YOU!
3. Do your research
I can’t stress this enough. In order to feel reassured that you’re in good hands and are going to get the natural result you want, you need to make sure you’ve conducted plenty of research. A personal recommendation always helps, because you can see the living, breathing, walking, talking result for yourself. And if that’s not an option, Google. Many surgeons have reviews online with before and after pictures, and if you can’t find them, be sure to ask the surgeon’s assistant. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and don’t feel pressured to rush into anything. Remember, this is a big decision and it has to feel right for you. I waited 10 years before going ahead with my operation, which gave me plenty of time to really think about whether it was something I truly wanted to do.
4. Give yourself time to recover
Here’s another very important piece of advice. While cosmetic surgery is elective, you still may be in a lot of pain, and you may have swelling and bruising. I gave myself two weeks off before returning to my usual activities, and this was more than enough time to start feeling more human again.
5. Give your results time
It takes time to really heal properly. While the results of cosmetic surgery are instant, swelling and bruising can mask the final result. For example, a rhinoplasty procedure carries a lot of swelling and bruising with it (especially if you’re having your nose broken to correct a deviated septum, like I was). While a lot of the swelling went down by the one-month mark, I’d say it was around six months later before I started to see the final result that I have now. Residual swelling can even continue up until the 18-month mark, so be patient!
My new nose is right for me, and gave me the confidence to be myself. I spent years thinking about what it was about my appearance that I felt was holding me back. I researched procedures and took every facet of my life into consideration. A body-altering surgery is not something anyone should just dive into, and I’m glad I took the time to truly think about my own.
Because a nose — or any feature — isn’t just something that’s attached to the rest of your body. It’s is part of your very being.
Scarlett Dixon is a U.K.–based journalist, lifestyle blogger, and YouTuber who runs networking events in London for bloggers and social media experts. She has a keen interest in speaking out about anything that might be deemed taboo, and a lengthy bucket list. She’s also a keen traveler and is passionate about sharing the message that IBS doesn’t have to hold you back in life! Visit her website and tweet her @Scarlett_London.
1. What do you think of cosmetic surgery?
2. What is the difference between plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery?
3. Would you consider having cosmetic surgery?
4. What do you think are the dangers of cosmetic surgery?
5. What parts of your face/ body would you like to change?
6. Why is cosmetic surgery so popular in some countries but not at all
others?
7. What do you think people who have cosmetic surgery?
8. Do you really think cosmetic surgery can change one’s life?
7 Daily Habits of Exceptionally Successful People
When you see people who are capable of accomplishing extraordinary things, you can’t help but wonder, What is it that makes them so different?
Related: Pick Up These 6 ‘Me’ Habits to Be a Better You
Numerous studies show recurring characteristics congruent with high achievers. Exceptionally successful people…
1. Plan each day with purpose and action.
Sunday night gets a bad rep because it means having to face another week, back on the treadmill, spinning the wheel once again. Successful people plan their days (yes, even Sundays) different, better, more exciting, more purposeful, more meaningful. Tony Robbins says action without a higher degree of purpose is a waste of time. How much of your life are you designing?
2. Step outside their comfort zone.
Successful people thrive when they are stretched beyond what they think they can handle. They consistently push the boundaries of what’s possible and don’t accept settling. This means stepping outside our comfort zone and questioning the world around us, looking for opportunities to constantly improve. How long have you been in your comfort zone?
Related: 5 Daily Habits of Highly Successful People
3. Surround themselves with smart people.
Some of the world’s trailblazing entrepreneurs, such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard Branson and Mark Zuckerberg, had a solid team around them from the beginning—they knew their team was crucial to their success. Collaboration allows you to refine your thinking and challenge yourself and be challenged. We become the average of the five closest people we surround ourselves with. Who are you spending your time with?
4. Focus on the big picture.
Focusing on details allows you to track results and make improvements based on facts, not guesswork. But sometimes, we get lost in the doing and forget the building and creating. If you are not designing and creating a better life for yourself, who will? Never lose sight of the big picture and always work on your why.
Related: How to Find Your ‘Why’ in Life
5. Get the job done.
It’s human behavior to procrastinate. High achievers have developed laserlike focus when it comes to getting things done. At times they can be obsessed and selfish, often making sacrifices most of us would not be prepared or willing to make. Prioritize better; set aside time to focus on your goals list, not your to-do list.
6. Refuse to take no for an answer.
When you’ve hit a wall, it’s easy to consider that the end of the road and tend to give up. Only the most stubborn among us will persevere long enough to climb the rest of the mountain. Think of the Wright brothers trying to get people in the air. Can you imagine what their peers said? Today we can’t imagine a world without planes. What’s your dream?
7. Never stop learning.
One of our great capacities is the ability (and urge) to learn. Unfortunately, most of us stop actively learning once our formal education stops. We allow ourselves to remain stagnant in our careers and personal lives. One of my mentors, Dale Beaumont, once said, “If you are not green and growing, you are ripe and rotting.” How much of your week do you dedicate to learning?
Success breeds success. Take these tips to improve your life. Challenge yourself on a daily basis. Never give up. Surround yourself with great people who will encourage you to move forward.
The power of planning
Plans don’t always work. I was reminded of that fact when a friend was telling a story from his childhood.
His family had a large dog but he wanted a hamster. His parents surprised him one day with a hamster all is own. The dog was overly “interested” in the hamster so my friend made a plan to keep the hamster safe and sound.
His family had a large dog but he wanted a hamster. His parents surprised him one day with a hamster all is own. The dog was overly “interested” in the hamster so my friend made a plan to keep the hamster safe and sound.
His plan involved keeping the hamster in a box with a clothesline running through it. He would attach one end of the clothesline to one wall and the other end to the opposite wall. He was sure to hang it high enough so that the dog couldn’t reach it. He was at least as sure as a ten year old could be.
He was pretty sad upon returning from school one day to find his beloved hamster in multiple pieces with the box laying nearby. I guess hanging the box five feet off the floor was just too enticing a target for a dog that stood 3-1/2 feet on all fours.
As elaborate a plan as it was for a ten year old it just didn’t work out.
So plans don’t always work but here is the good news…planning almost always does. I should say that planning almost always works, or is beneficial if…. you’re using a solid planning process.
With that in mind here is an 8-step planning process I’ve written about before. I’ve used it for years as have many other successful people I know. It simply works.
Step one is to develop a clear and honest picture of your current situation. Many people don’t get to where they want to go because they have no idea where they are starting from. If you’re not completely honest with yourself in this step the rest of the process is likely doomed to fail.
Step two is stating a very specific understanding and vision of your desired situation or outcome. Specificity is the key here, if your desired outcome is murky your results will be too.
Step three is where the real work begins. That’s where you develop short, medium and long range goals. A short range goal could be a day, week or even a month. The longest range goals can be as far out into the future as you like but there must be an end date. Someday is NOT on your calendar or anybody else’s. Don’t mess around with this, the end date must be in your expected lifetime. (Yes, I’ve actually seen people set goals for after they are dead) Your goals must be specific, measurable, realistic, and timed. I repeat, someday is not a real day.
Step four is where the actual plans are developed. What actions are you willing to take each day to get closer to one or more of your goals? What will you change to make it happen? (The only way something doesn’t need to change is if you have already achieved the goal) What are you willing to sacrifice in order to achieve your goals?
One point I’d like to make here. I wrote what actions are you willing to take each day to get closer to your goals. It is my personal belief that no matter how busy you may have been on any given day, if you didn’t get closer to either a personal or professional goal you were not productive. Successful people do not mistake a busy day for a productive one and if you want to be successful then you shouldn’t either.
Step five is determining the investment you are willing to make to ensure that your plan succeeds. While you are determining the investment you’re willing to make don’t forget that every successful outcome likely requires two things, money AND time. Believe it or not the money part is often easier than the time part. I can’t tell you the number of times I made a plan to get in better shape. I set some goals, joined a club, wrote a big fat check and failed. I failed because I never committed the time to actually go to the club. After many expensive memberships I finally determined it just wasn’t a priority in my life. Don’t make my mistake, if you’re not committed to your plan then you’re not committed to success.
Step six is setting up your time table. Most people think this is only about deadlines. That’s a common mistake. Just as important as when the plan will come to fruition is determining when you will put the plan into action. I’ve seen many a great plan never implemented. If there are not specific action steps built into your plan, including the very first action you will take, then you may have a decent plan but your planning process is fatally flawed.
Step seven is launching the plan. Put some air under its wings, take the first action you’ve planned and see what happens.
Step eight is the follow-up step. Hopefully you have trusted people in your life that you have shared your plan with. Revisit your plan with them often. The fact that everything isn’t happening exactly as you planned doesn’t mean the plan was bad, stuff happens. The best news is your plan allows you to see where and how you’ve gotten off track, that makes it much easier to get back on.
Very few plans remain completely intact throughout the process of implementing them. Don’t let the first hiccup derail your success, adjust, re-launch, and move forward. Repeat as often as necessary.
My friend got another hamster, he used a nearly identical plan to protect it. The second plan merely included the addition of a ladder to hang the box higher. Work your plan as designed, adjust as needed, and you’ll go higher too.
That’s the power of planning!