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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery…In Brief

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgey journal cover

February 2009

Divorce, Antidepressants Can Add Years to Your Face

A new study finds that environmental factors trump genetics in facial aging. Researchers from University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Ohio obtained comprehensive questionnaires and digital images from 186 pairs of identical twins. The images were reviewed by an independent panel, which then recorded the perceived age difference between the siblings.

Results showed that twins who had been divorced appeared nearly 2 years older than their siblings who were married, single or even widowed. Antidepressant use was associated with a significantly older appearance and researchers also found that weight played a major factor, too. In those sets of twins who were less than 40 years old, the heavier twin was perceived as being older, while in those groups over 40 years old, the heavier twin appeared younger.

Researchers suggest that stress could be a common denominator in those twins who appeared older, and they suspect that continued relaxation of the facial muscles due to antidepressant use could account for sagging. This study appears in the February 2009 online issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

  • Download the full study PDF
    Note: This study is appearing in a raw, publish-ahead-of-print format and will be published in final form in the April 2009 issue of PRS.