My labiaplasty and vaginoplasty patients come in a surprising range of ages. I find it interesting talking to these patients and finding out what has motivated them to seek plastic surgery. And I also find it interesting to see how the answers differ according to age. In fact, this is largely because our views of beauty tend to change as we get older. This feeling is backed up by a survey’s results which I recently read.
The survey concluded, among other things, that what a woman finds beautiful in herself might be different from what she finds beautiful in somebody else. The study was conducted by the BeautyforLife website, operated by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
In the survey, women were asked what it is about physical beauty that they find most appealing in someone else. Those in their 20s to 40s said they look for a well-proportioned, fit body. Those in the 50s to 60s said youthful skin is more important.
When the survey respondents were asked which body part most concerns them, those in their 30s said the abdomen and hips. However, those in their 20s and 40s through 60s all said the face is their choice. It’s interesting that the “face” answer skips the 30s, but I suspect that those in that age group are struggling with coming to terms with the fact that they’re not kids any more, but still want to believe they are.
Some other results of the survey: More women are concerned about their hips and abdomen than their breasts. This disparity only increases as they grow older.
In summary, 37% of those in their 30s said they are mostly concerned about hips and abdomen (Only 18% said breasts). 32@ of those in their 40s said the hips and abdomen (10% for breast). Just 25% of those in their 50s said hips abdomen (compared to 7% for breast), and 23% of those in their 60s said they are mostly concerned about hips / abdomen, with 7% concerned about their breast.
Respondents were also asked what the most important reason is for maintaining their physical appearance. Most said “to boost my self confidence,” regardless of decade. A close second for those in their 20s was attracting a potential partner. The second choice for those in their 30s through 50s was to increase opportunities in the workplace. And for those in their 60s, it was the fact that a good appearance helps them make friends.
