Recent study says that plastic surgery can make you more 'likable'

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"My parents bribe me to get all A's with plastic surgery and injections." --Plastic Surgery admissions that will make you cringe.

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It seems like all the stars do it. Many more, when they have the funds do it, too. Why? It apparently makes folks more attractive. Likable, too. Now, there’s proof via a new study that says just that.

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“Facial rejuvenation” is what they call it and it can include one-time or ongoing cosmetic procedures that can restore a youthful glow by correcting such nuisances as hyperpigmentation, scars, and wrinkles. Procedures can also include forehead lifts, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), neck and chin lifts, a restoration or construction of facial symmetry and botox.

The findings of a new study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery points out the ways in which we have been programmed when perceiving facial expressions. Yibada reports April 14, that as skin ages, it unfortunately also changes how a person is perceived by others. Often, with saggy skin comes a look of perceived roughness. Personalities (as seen through the face) may seem hardened, as well. People, of course, prefer the glow of youth and unconsciously deem that glow as likability. Hardened faces are initially judged as. . .well: not as likable.

LiveScience points out that the findings of the study have some “interesting implications.”

Dr. Michael Reilly, a plastic surgeon and co-author of the study said that things such as eyes that are set farther apart give off an air of trustworthiness and upturned lips are read as the lips of a friendly extrovert. Good thing there are professionals who can surgically create those features for anyone who might need a social boost!

But, wait. Despite the fact that plastic surgery and facial rejuvenation can take up to nine years off of someone’s face or even make them ageless in that odd sort of way that plastic surgery does, it doesn’t mean that those who have gone through procedures automatically look more beautiful, let alone more likable. Dozens of horrific plastic surgery mishaps should attest to that (any Google search on the subject will bring them up).

Further, there are other ways to create that “more likable” face that don’t involve needles, layers of skin being sanded off or a complete restructuring of bone matter. Meditation, for instance has been shown to soften features. Shambhala Times talked about a project titled “Before and After” which was part of a larger project called “Contemplatives.” The project explored the physiological effects of a regular meditation practice. Photos were taken of participants at the beginning of a month long retreat and at the end. You can see the results for yourself. Participants look lighter, their eyes are brighter and there’s something of a glow in their cheeks.

Yoga also has some answers for those who might seek some facial lifting and tightening. It’s a facelift without the scars and hefty price tags which can do everything from get rid of smile lines to lift the cheekbones (even raise the eyebrows). You’ll only look funny for the length of the exercises and what’s wrong with a little laugh, anyway? Further, check out these results!

Another benefit that both a regular meditation and yoga practice provides is that people become more accepting of themselves and others. This seems much more powerful than buying in to trending articles on the net “proving” that people are more attractive or likable after plastic surgery or facial rejuvenation. Luckily, for most, age brings about a certain stance on life. What others think becomes less important than focusing on health and things that don’t detract from personal comfort and happiness. Further, why would people look outside of themselves for the acceptance they can develop within? The whims and fancies of others are too much to provide for. All one can do is find a way to be comfortable and happy with themselves.

*originally published on the now defunct Examiner.com