18 Feb Can exercises make my face look younger?
Can we simply exercise our way towards youth?
Wouldn’t it be great if we could simply add “facial exercises” to our morning exercise regiment to fend off the effects of aging? There are many people and products on the market today that would suggest this to be the case. Many claim that certain specific exercises can target the facial muscles and improve the overall look of the face and stop the effects of aging. Others try to suggest that the use of muscle stimulation devices can passively do the same thing. So is there any truth to all of this? Can we replace current cosmetic facelift surgery with simple exercise?
A recent study in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal sought to answer this question. They looked at multiple databases to find studies that had focused on facial exercising as a way to promote ones aesthetic appearance. The search terms included: facial rejuvenation, facial exercise, facial massage, face building, face yoga, (oro)facial (a)esthetics, (a)esthetic logopedics, and (a)esthetic speech therapy. All of these studies looked at strengthening, moving, or manipulating facial muscles. The authors were also careful to exclude any studies were patients also received some type of dermal filler, or chemical peels. They also were careful to exclude reports of acupuncture and acupressure techniques. So what did they find?
Exercise Studies
The authors were able to determine that 9 such studies had been completed. Unfortunately, these studies were all small with group sizes ranging from 1-11. After careful review the authors found that all existing evidence was inconclusive to determine any significant improvement in facial appearance from any of the exercise regiments. Study participants had stronger facial muscles but the skin and soft tissue overlying the face continued to droop and age.
The bottom line is that only plastic surgeons have the tools to turn back the hands of time. Facial aesthetic surgery is the only tried and true method of improving one’s looks and reversing the effects of aging.
Contact Dr. Parson Today
Dr. Parson is an expert in all aspects of facial aesthetics both surgical and nonsurgical. Please call 480-282-8386 to schedule your personal appointment and discuss your goals and concerns.