San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center | Usha Rajagopal, MD

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Battle of the Sexes: How the Faces of Men and Women Age Differently

One of the joys of being in a committed relationship is growing old together, but men and women don't always have the same experiences while aging. Genetics may play a part, but there are certain inherent differences that males and females will notice as they grow older, and these age-related issues should be addressed with differing plastic surgery procedures and techniques. Signs of aging are typically most evident on the face, but where wrinkles appear will depend largely on a person's sex. Men are more likely to develop deep wrinkles in their forehead, and it's not uncommon for them to see their chins diminish over time.

Women, on the other hand, will typically see finer lines on the face, usually around the eyes - known as crow's feet - or mouth, often referred to as laugh lines. While they may not see much of a change in their jaw line, they often will experience sagging skin around the neck, sometimes called a "turkey neck."

For both men and women, wrinkles on the face can be treated with Botox or soft tissue filler, though the location of the injections will vary depending on the location of the wrinkles. Facelifts can also be effective for both sexes.

Men who have diminished chins as a result of aging can ask their board-certified doctor about chin implants, which can square out the jaw line. Turkey necks can be addressed with a neck lift, a procedure that tightens the skin in this area.

Couples plastic surgery has been an emerging trend over the past few years - often, partnered men and women find the experience of going under the knife to be more enjoyable if they do so together. However, it's important that each member of the couple have his or her own consultation, as they will need to address different aspects of the face.