Restoring the Triangle of Youth
When we are in our youth, our facial features are defined and well-contoured. Aesthetically speaking, a youthful face has three unique features: high cheekbones, full cheeks, and a defined jawline. These features are referred to as the “triangle of youth” and are easy to visualize with the base of the triangle being at the cheeks and the point at the chin.
Starting in our 20s, our aging process begins, and gradually with time the “triangle of youth” inverts itself and changes into the “pyramid of age” by a complex series of factors that I will cover in the next blog post. As our face becomes more oblong with flattened and sagging facial features, restoring the “triangle of youth” can be accomplished both non-surgically and surgically.
Studies have shown that women who were dissatisfied with their appearance were more at risk for chronic depression. Feeling good about your appearance has benefits for your mental and emotional well-being. In 2021, the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Society National Databank Statistics reported that surgical procedures increased by 54% and non-surgical procedures were up by 44%; with women accounting for 94% of all procedures. With more women undergoing cosmetic treatments, why do we find ourselves still receiving backlash from other women for partaking in a procedure that improves our well-being? And why is there such a stigma about wanting to look younger or aesthetically pleasing?
As we scroll through various media platforms, we are bombarded by images of filtered and flawless models and celebrities. Magazines, television, movies, advertisements, and social media all facilitate a false and unattainable sense of beauty as we can’t help but compare ourselves to these gorgeous men and women. This unattainable standard is quite frustrating as a medical aesthetics provider and clients will bring in filtered photos and ask to attain this “look”. But it is important to remember that it is not real and the social media account, @s0cialmediavsreality, is a good source to see just how many photos are being manipulated. Beauty can be seen in both youthful and mature faces. And while we all may be guilty of using a filter, it's important to remember that these individuals are aging in the same ways that we are.