In our youth-obsessed culture, a woman’s next birthday is not always a cause for celebration. Rather than candles and presents, the turn of the clock can conjure up images of wrinkles, jowls, under-eye bags and sagging. However, the results of a recent survey from The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) suggest that 50 is the new 30.

The AAFPRS survey gauged the opinions of approximately 500 women between the ages of 45 and 60 years to find out what they think about the changing face of 50. On average, 69% of women reported feeling at least 6 years younger than their chronological age. Furthermore, women in their 50s still feel sexy, vibrant, beautiful and desirable.

‘Today, women in their 40s and 50s are more confident and beautiful than ever before,’ said Ed Farrior, MD, President of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). ‘These ladies have the life experience and knowledge to look as great as they feel. With the growing number of minimally-invasive and non-surgical options, they are able to maintain their youthful appearance for longer.’

When it comes to reversing the hands of time they demand a natural results — they want to be the best, most youthful and attractive version of themselves they can be, without looking drastically different.

The survey also revealed that women are more open than ever to both surgical and non-surgical treatments to slow down the visible signs of ageing. In fact, 72% of the women surveyed have tried skin peels, while 50% have had injections of neurotoxins or fillers, and 15% have had cosmetic facial surgery.

‘Thanks to advances in technologies and innovative procedures to rejuvenate the face, while diminishing scars and recovery time, surgical solutions have become a reality for many women who may not have previously considered it,’ said Dr Farrior.

However, even with the increased amount of treatment options to turn back the clock, 70% of women stated that a milestone birthday did impact the way they feel about their appearance. Twenty-four percent were most concerned with looking their real age, with sagging cheeks or eye bags (39%), fine lines and wrinkles (33%), and the dreaded ‘turkey neck’ effect (28%) topping their list of aesthetic concerns.