FACELIFT:
IF YOU LOOK YOUNGER WILL IT HELP YOU LIVE LONGER?

In July of 2001, the Mayo Clinic released the results of a study that actually suggests that women who have a facelift may live more than ten years longer than those who do not. The study followed 250 female patients (with an average age of 60.4) who had facelifts between 1970 and 1975. At the time of follow-up, 66 percent of the facelift patients were still alive, with an average age of 84 years. Of those patients who had died, the average age of death was 81.7 years. These figures were compared statistically with life expectancy tables for the female United States population. The results showed that facelift patients had a life expectancy more than ten years greater than that of the general female population.

The authors of the study are quick to say that the result "does not claim to prove a cause-and-effect relationship between having a facelift and living longer." What they do, however, point out is that "other studies have shown that patients who have a facelift generally have a greater-than-average commitment to maintaining their overall health and fitness. That can easily translate into living longer." The study's authors, Lane F. Smith, MD, and Stephan J. Finical, MD, add "that enhanced self-esteem and life optimism"are proven benefits of cosmetic surgery which may also contribute to longevity.

A consultation with Dr. Hagerty at Mid Hudson Plastic Surgery Center can help to determine whether a facelift is an option for you. Please call for an appointment (845) 338-0789.