Fifty-two is the perfect age for cosmetic surgery according to a new survey of 3,000 women in Britain, ages 40 to 65. Of the women surveyed, a third would consider plastic surgery and a fifth would get a facelift, if money were no object. In addition, 29% said they’d rather look 20 years younger than be a millionaire.
The survey, conducted for Saga magazine, revealed that of those who wanted surgery, 29% would get a tummy tuck and 25% would get an eyelid lift. Even many women who would not consider surgery would still consider non-surgical procedures. Twenty-nine percent of those respondents felt they needed non-invasive procedures like Botox or chemical peels to stay looking young.
The survey also found that women felt Twiggy was a great example of a woman looking her best after 60.
Darren McKeown, MD, a cosmetic doctor in London and Glasgow, commented on celebrities’ influence in cosmetic surgery. “Botox and dermal fillers are the most popular treatments at the moment. The popularity of certain treatments is very celebrity-driven. When a famous woman is pictured with a ‘trout pout,’ then women will avoid lip enhancement, but when an A-list celeb is revealed to have had a specific treatment and they look great, then we see a peak in inquiries.”
He also noted that he has seen an increase in patients who are getting procedures for work-related reasons. “When you’ve been in a company for a long time and have younger colleagues snapping at your heels, the last thing you want to do is look tired. The average age of my client is in their forties,” McKeown said.
The survey also revealed that women today feel pressure to continue to look young, even into middle age. Sixty-two percent said they felt they are more likely to be judged on their appearance than previous generations.