Will beauty today embody beauty of tomorrow? The answer is ever-evolving according to a recent survey of facial plastic surgeons who were asked to examine the changing perception of beauty through the decades. The survey asked members of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) to examine facial features of celebrities over the past four decades and to determine how the changing face of "beauty" has been represented over time. The 1960's
Apparently peace, love, happiness and wide eyes marked the sixties. Legendary actors Elizabeth Taylor (38 percent) and Paul Newman (42 percent) defined beauty during this decade. Taylor's porcelain skin and well-proportioned eyes and the defined features of Newman's eyes and lips epitomize timeless beauty.
The 1970's
Disco, polyester and cheek-bones characterized the seventies. "Farrah Fawcett's delicate nose and chin and well-developed cheekbones gave her the face of this decade, while Robert Redford's nose and strong jawline illustrated why he was selected," says Dr. Steven Pearlman, president of the AAFPRS. Fawcett and Redford each received 70 percent of the votes.
The 1980's
Eighties glamour; big hair and bold makeup represented beauty of this time. Christie Brinkley (49 percent) and Mel Gibson (33 percent) embodied the best facial features, while Michelle Pfeiffer (38 percent) and Harrison Ford (30 percent) placed second.
The 1990's
Cindy Crawford (40 percent) and George Clooney (29 percent) symbolized attractiveness in the nineties. "Crawford has flawless skin, an attractive nose and recognizable lips. Clooney has a strong jaw and straight, masculine nose," says Pearlman.
The Present
Catherine Zeta-Jones (31 percent) and Hugh Jackman (26 percent) epitomize the current ideal faces of beauty. Charlize Theron (23 percent) and Colin Farrell (21 percent) came in second. "Zeta-Jones has a short delicate jaw with small chin and nose, all of which are desirable for an attractive female face," says Dr. Pearlman.
So what have the biggest changes in facial plastic surgery been? According to facial plastic surgeons, they've evolved around safety. Results show that over the past 40 years, advancements in new technologies, safety, and patient results have evolved just as beauty has.
The AAFPRS stresses that prospective patients have realistic expectations and seek cosmetic surgery only to enhance features rather than to look like someone else. They urge patients to make an educated choice when selecting a surgeon if he or she is considering facial plastic surgery. A surgeon should be board certified by boards affiliated with the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) or equivalent boards like the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
© 2005 HealthNewsDigest.com