Facial cosmetic surgery: A 30-year perspective

Although traits that are specific to different social and cultural groups m ay express the uniqueness in what humans regard as beautiful, the quest for beauty itself is universal. It is intrinsically related to the search for harmony as a means of achieving intimate well being. Inevitably, aping brin gs changes that are undesirable. The face, because of its exposure and expr ession and the constant action of gravity, is frequently the main focus of anxiety in individuals who have attained a certain age because their face h as flaccid skin, marked lines of expression, and fat deposits. Motivations for surgery for the aging face are generally deeply hidden and include pers onal, social, and professional factors. These motivations might not be perc eived or investigated by the surgeon who, in turn, will not have done a com plete and precise diagnosis. This evaluation is the most valuable tool for determining the most favorable procedure for each patient.