Scottsdale, AZ - An interesting new study published in the international journal, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, involves sets of twins and makes an assessment of how environmental factors have affected their facial aging. In the study, 186 pairs of identical twins completed a comprehensive questionnaire, and digital images were obtained. An independent panel reviewed the images and recorded the perceived differences in the twins’ ages and their facial features. The perceived age differences were then correlated with multiple environmental factors.

The main purpose of this study was to identify the environmental factors that contribute to facial aging in identical twins, but it also confirms some of the observations noted by plastic surgeons over the years. The results confirm smoking and increased sun exposure  lead to significantly increased risks of aged appearance. In fact, the longer they smoked, the older they looked. Additionally, if patients did not use sunscreen and had a history of increased outdoor activity, then the aging appearance was accelerated. Wrinkles on the face were more common in twins who smoked or had a history of skin cancer (which implies more sun exposure). Dark and patchy skin discolorations were also more common in twins with a history of smoking and those with sun exposure.

Twins who used hormone replacement therapy had a statistically significant younger appearance. Dark blotches were seen less in those with a higher body mass index. Patients younger than 40 years with higher body mass index looked older, but the patients older than 40 years appear younger when they had a higher body mass index. The reviewers also noted that those who avoided alcohol looked significantly younger than the twin who consumed alcohol. Patients that had divorced or used antidepressants were also more likely to look significantly older.

Studies of this type confirm that smoking is not only bad for your health, but also for your looks. The study also implies that appropriate hormone replacement and nutrition may be significant in acheiving a more youthful appearance as individuals get older. I recommend avoidance of smoking and sun exposure to all patients contemplating plastic surgery. A good skin care regiment is also recommended for those who may want to reverse the aged appearance.  It is important to also recommend good nutritional habits and the avoidance of alcohol.