Survey says Americans really are age-obsessed

National report --- According to a recent nationwide poll, nearly 90 percent of Americans say they guess a person's age in forming a first impression.

Findings of the survey, released as part of the annual Restylane Report on Age Impressions, reveal that a significant majority of Americans say that a youthful appearance greatly impacts confidence, happiness and professional success -- and that it's just as important for men to preserve a youthful appearance as it is for women.

The survey, which polled 825 men and women between the ages of 21 and 55, uncovered the following responses:

• Seventy-eight percent of respondents said they feel that looking younger impacts a woman's success at work, versus 64 percent for men.

• Ninety-two percent said they feel that looking younger affects a woman's overall confidence, versus 83 percent for men.

• Eighty-eight percent said they feel that looking younger is the key to happiness for women, versus 77 percent for men.

The survey also provides information regarding the facial features Americans feel most reveal their age. A majority of respondents said smile lines and jowls were most telling of a person's age -- even more so than forehead or lip lines. When shown pre- and post-treatment photos of patients who had their smile lines smoothed by cosmetic rejuvenation procedures, a majority of respondents said they felt the procedures took years off the given subject's face.

Overall, 76 percent of survey participants said they preferred to "look naturally good, fit and healthy for their age."

-- Compiled by Staff Correspondent Bill Gillette