The onset of old age has long been associated with wrinkles, fine lines and loose skin developing across much of the body, and particularly with crinkles and looseness of the face. Those who prefer to maintain a youthful, energetic appearance always have options: preventing lines and wrinkles with daily moisturizers, renewing and rejuvenating skin with chemical peels and laser treatments, and of course tightening and smoothing the facial features with a face lifting surgical procedure.

According to a study performed last year by Howard N. Langstein, M.D., however, the appearance of aging may not be just skin deep. Langstein studied a collection of CT scans which depicted the development of forty men and women’s facial bones over time. He found that the prominence of the jaw deteriorates rapidly with age, and suggested that the depletion of the face’s lower boundary may constitute a much larger part of the aging appearance than was previously thought. His findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Association of Plastic Surgeons in San Antonio, Texas.

What does this mean for the average man or woman considering a face lift? Nothing, yet. A rhytidectomy, or common face lift, is still the most tried and true method of restoring a smooth, fresh appearance to your face. According to Langstein, though, similar surgical procedures of the future may include the insertion of special implants to redefine the lower jaw and “bring back” the facial structure of youth.

Resource Box:

Youthful Images

580 Cottage Grove Rd. Suite 103
Bloomfield, CT 06002

phone (860) 242-0505