Beautyheaven research Women's Fear of Ageing

The beautiful and the damned - It's official, Australian women fear the fate of ageing

Recent research conducted by Australia's leading online beauty portal, Beautyheaven.com.au, revealed 63% of women feel pressure to maintain a youthful appearance in today's society.

Almost a quarter of respondents confessed to having cosmetic surgery - with 25% of procedures to prevent or modify ageing. Eyelid and under-eye tucks, Botox and facelifts were high on the list with neck lifts, lip and wrinkle fillers receiving a significant mention.

And of these women, 25% were in the 25-45 year-old age bracket - showing that the pressures of ageing are hitting home much earlier in our lives.

Dr George M Calfas, Cosmetic Physician from GMC Cosmedical, believes women are definitely very aware and concerned with ageing.

"The most common procedures at GMC Cosmedical are the use of dermal fillers to fill lines and lips, as well as the use of Botulinum Toxin Type A to stop wrinkles from re-forming," he said.

"No one likes to look in the mirror and see wrinkles, lines and sagging skin! Considering many of us see ourselves as younger than we actually are because we feel much younger, we like to see a reflection that represents how we feel on the inside."

The survey revealed 67% of respondents worry about ageing with responses including: "I feel bad about ageing and want to slow the process down as much as possible" and "The media highlights what can possibly be done, often the pros and cons, and convinces me we live in an age-obsessed society."

Almost half of respondents revealed that the media has a considerable impression on the way they think about their looks and ageing. "Some of the older celebrities look great with cosmetic surgery - they look younger and happier. It makes me think what I could have done too".

And while the media informs people about operations and procedures they may not have known about before - it also creates an ideal that some felt impossible to live up to. "Many young celebrities are going under the knife, it encourages fans to think it's the norm."

The rising pressure of youthfulness combined with the fact that cosmetic surgery is becoming less expensive and less invasive means more women are signing up to have their chins lifted, eyes tucked and legs toned than ever before.

"Cosmetic surgery is no longer only for the wealthy. Less invasive procedures and improvements in technology means the end result is a lot more natural. Most people prefer to hear that they look 'fresh and rested' as opposed to looking like they've had work done," said Dr Calfas.

More than half of those surveyed were 'happy with their bodies but could be better' with a whopping 61% admitting they would consider cosmetic surgery in the future.

It's official, Australian women fear the fate of ageing and it seems a miracle face-cream is no longer the only answer to preventing it. The Beautyheaven.com.au survey has revealed that many women have had, or would consider, cosmetic surgery to slow, prevent or dramatically alter the signs of ageing.

www.beautyheaven.com.au