When are you too old to undergo plastic surgery?
Are you wondering, when is too old, too old to undergo plastic surgery? Are you hoping to undergo plastic surgery but are concerned you are too old?
The truth is, you are never too old to undergo cosmetic procedures. In fact, senior citizens are one population group that has increased its interest in cosmetic surgery in recent years. A survey conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2010 found that 77% of seniors over the age of 65 years would consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure.1
Plastic surgeons, including Dr. Kara, have successfully treated patients who are well into their 90s, who seek injectables, skin rejuvenation and other cosmetic procedures to improve their appearance.
No matter what age, you can look 20 years younger when you rejuvenate your skin. For example, many patients choose to undergo a treatment with one of our laser treatment options, such as INFINI skin tightening or Solari. Other low risk options that can assist our older patients in their journey to turn back the clock are Botox and other injectables, specifically fillers. There are minimal risks for these types of cosmetic procedures, as compared to any type of surgical procedure. However, senior citizens do make up a remarkable proportion of those undergoing breast lifts, facelifts, tummy tucks and other surgical procedures to improve appearance.
You are never too old to try and look your best. While society seems to consider chronological age as a determinant, your physiological age, which involves your health and the physiological age of your body, is the most important determinant for the appropriateness of surgery. Health is the most important factor, as it will determine your overall risk of surgery.
Age should not prevent you from seeking out cosmetic procedures. If you are healthy you can successfully undergo cosmetic procedures or surgeries. The risk for cosmetic procedures is relatively the same no matter what age, when patients are equally as healthy.
Our advice is that it’s important to be realistic. It is unlikely that you will be able to look 30 years old if you are 80 years old and seeking a cosmetic upgrade; however, you could improve your wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin and shave off a decade or two of your appearance. We recommend a consultation to determine the appropriateness of cosmetic procedures or surgeries with respect to your medical history. It is critical that you are honest with Dr. Kara about your medical history so that a proper risk assessment can be performed.
1 The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (2011) “Plastic surgery on the rise among seniors,” September 9, 2011.