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Show Plastic Surgery Help with Jobs? By FRIEDA KAYE Cosmetic surgery can be an economic help as well as psychological one. AN IMPROVEMENT in appearance, ap-pearance, like a new dress or suit, can give a mature person a new lease on life - and a better chance for employment in today's youth-oriented society. That is the consensus of five physicians, panelists at a symposium on "Aging and the Body Image" sponsored by the American Geriatric Society meeting here recently. "COMPETING for a job is not an easy task," said Dr. Richard Stark, professor of clinical surgery at Columbia University in New York. "If one appears old and haggard, the likelihood of getting get-ting a job is rather slim. Aesthetic surgery can turn . back the clock and often makes one an employable member of society. " DR. STARK pointed out that surgery can be especially important im-portant to the growing population of mature widows and divorcees, who may now be faced with earning a living, supporting families, and competing com-peting in the marriage market. Another panelist, Dr. Simon Fredericks, a professor of plastic surgery at the University Univer-sity of Texas in Houston, cautioned cau-tioned that some women, who view cosmetic surgery as a panacea, are not good candidates can-didates for surgical corrections. correc-tions. "THE UNREALISTIC, high-pressured woman who would like to change the clock because she's disappointed in her life and doesn't feel she's accomplished as much as she would like to is not usually a good risk," he commented. Active well 3di"ste'1 women ma'-e the besi candidates can-didates for surgery. 'Atir the age of 40," Dr. Stark reported, "many women fee' 'now that my children are grown, 1 want to do something for myself!' These women are usually well adjusted and active, ac-tive, but would be happier if their appearance were better," bet-ter," he emphasized. FOLLOWING such surgery as nose alterations, removal of excessive wrinkles or bags under the eyes, a woman's psychological boost may even improve her family life, the panelists agreed. "Husbandsand other family members come to my office to thank me for the emotional changes in their wives, mothers or sisters," Dr. Stark told the symposium. WHILE PLASTIC surgery is "quite ordinary and accepta-i accepta-i ble in our life today," the duration of its benefits is difficult dif-ficult to pinpoint. Women who spend a good deal of time in the sun will not have as long-lasting a face and eye rejuvenation as others. But Dr. Stark's case studies over the past 20 years indicate that the benefits can last from five to 15 years. |