The quote from M.C. Beaton's "As the Pig Turns" highlights the limitations of cosmetic surgery in addressing the deeper aspects of aging. While surgical procedures can enhance physical appearance and create a youthful look, they cannot alter the wisdom and experiences that are reflected in a person's eyes.

This suggests that true beauty transcends mere surface-level changes and lies within the deeper qualities that come with life experiences. Ultimately, while plastic surgery can mask the signs of aging, it cannot replicate the depth and richness of a life well-lived, which is often visible in one's expression and gaze.