They say couples that play together, stay together.

This has been proven time and time again, simply because couples that spend time doing things together have a stronger bond and a more successful, fulfilling relationship.

Studies have shown that people are dramatically more successful at exercising, losing weight and quitting smoking when these activities are done with a spouse.

People also seem to be at a lower risk for pneumonia, heart disease, cancer and dementia if they are in a loving, committed relationship.

Science has continually proven the health benefits of people sharing their lives for many years, but now it seems that instead of making the pledge to grow old together, more couples have made the decision to do the opposite.

According to a recent report by Today, more married couples are choosing to grow young together, with the help of cosmetic surgery; a new trend that’s slimming waistlines, smoothing wrinkles, and strengthening the bond between partners.

But it hasn’t always been this way.

Dr. Mitchell Chasin, medical director for Reflections Center for Skin and Body in New Jersey told Today, “Years ago, we would see a wife come in and she would say, ‘I can’t let my husband know what I’m doing.’ And then the husband would come in and he would say, ‘You know what, this is a secret, please don’t tell my wife.’”

In the 21st century however, attitudes about plastic surgery have changed, especially among men.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1.1 million men had both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2010. The most popular procedures for men were nose surgery, eyelid lift surgery, liposuction, male breast reduction, hair transplant surgery, as well as non-invasive dermal fillers, Botox, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal and chemical peels.

While women have been undergoing procedures like breast augmentation, facelifts and tummy tucks for years, more men want to keep up, and in turn are taking extra steps to look younger and better than ever.

Psychologist David Sarwer, lead editor of the book Psychological Aspects of Reconstructive and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery told the Los Angeles Times, “Men are figuring out what women figured out decades ago, which is that like it or not, our appearance really matters. We see it not only in men’s pursuit of cosmetic surgery but also in the growing number of health magazines and skin-care lines directed at men.”

As featured in the Today report, married couple Ira and Roberta Almeas decided to undergo a few anti-aging procedures together this year.

Mr. Almeas told his wife, “If you’re gonna look good, I want to look good!” and so they visited their cosmetic surgeon to receive Botox, dermal fillers and laser therapy.

Following their procedures, the couple is happier than ever; with their appearance and also their relationship.

“I think it’s a great experience to grow younger together. We feel a little bit more refreshed, a little bit more energy, and it’s just another part of our life together that we’re sharing,” Mr. Almeas told Today.

While undergoing cosmetic procedures together can be beneficial for strengthening a marriage, experts warn that this isn’t a fix-all solution for relationship issues.

Laurie Mintz, a psychologist at the University of Missouri-Columbia is an expert on the subject of body image and couples.

She told the Los Angeles Times, “Studies have shown that the strongest correlate of happiness in old age is not beauty, but health. Taking care of one’s health – eating right, exercising – is a much better predictor of happiness.”

Nevertheless, many couples who have gone under the knife together will agree that it’s a true bonding experience that has the potential to bring happy couples even more satisfaction in their relationships.

Carla Lundblade, a patient who underwent a total body makeover alongside her husband Rick confessed to the Los Angeles Times, “I can’t tell you what a difference it’s made to Rick and me, intimately. We feel like teenagers in love again.”

For these couples, it seems like cosmetic procedures have really put the spark back into their marriage.

While this may not be suitable for everyone, couples looking for a new way to spice up their relationship might want to give it a try with smaller, non-invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox, for example.

To learn more about cosmetic procedures, contact a plastic surgeon near you.