The saying ‘you are only as old as you feel’ has come about from a rise in life expectancy along with the attitude that age is just a number. Today, a number of older adults are opting to get back a bit of their youth by undergoing plastic surgery procedures.
Seniors are turning to plastic surgery procedures to enhance their image than ever before. From liposuction, facelifts to breast implants, seniors are clearing aside the age factor and taking advantage of the choices available to them. Plastic surgery procedures are just as safe for the elderly as for the young reveals a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons,
Why are plastic surgery procedures on the rise among seniors?
Adults who are in good health can get plastic surgery done at any age. According to the 2016 ASPS Plastic Surgery Statistics Report- 18 percent of all Brazilian Butt Lift procedures were performed on patients above the age of 55 years.
The number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed on older adults according to statistical data has been on the rise in recent years. A survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons said that 73 percent of women believe that youthful looks and physical appearance play a vital role in hiring.
Moreover, the stigma attached to plastic surgery is no longer there- the attitudes have changed, making cosmetic procedures a more appealing option for all ages.
Furthermore, the advancements in technology and techniques have also led to a rise in the number of seniors opting for cosmetic surgeries. Patients above 65 years can undergo plastic surgery with the same complication rate as younger patients. According to a study published by Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2017, older patients who underwent cosmetic procedures were no more likely to have complications then their younger counterparts post-surgery.
In another study observing the ages of plastic surgery patients in the United States exhibited that older people were in better health than younger patients. Also, older people are more likely to get low-risk surgeries on their faces than younger patients, revealed another study.
How safe is plastic surgery for seniors?
The safety for individuals above 60 years of age mostly depends on situational factors and not age according to industry experts. However, individuals should consider the following factors before undergoing any surgical procedure.
Physical and Emotional Health
An individual’s overall health irrespective of age can be the most important factor in determining whether or not he/she is a good candidate for a surgical procedure. Plastic surgery is likely to be safer for those who do not take a lot of medications for lung or heart issues than for one who does.
Therefore, if patients in the senior age group have realistic expectations and any health issues are under control, they can do well. However, a complete medical examination is vital before undergoing plastic surgery since the results can impact the candidacy for surgery.
Lifestyle
Besides health conditions, lifestyle choices also play a vital role in affecting a person’s candidacy for a procedure. Excessive smoking and drinking can increase the risk of complications. Also, if a person has been eating a lot of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats can face more difficulties during the recovery period.
Consultation
The success of the surgery depends upon the surgeon you choose. Consulting only with an experienced plastic surgeon is a must. An experienced plastic surgeon has the experience, education, and expertise that is required to determine whether a particular procedure is safe for the individual and the surgery is performed safely. Provide a clear and comprehensive medical account and answer all questions honestly. This will help your surgeon to make the best possible recommendations as to which procedures will be safe and beneficial in the long run.
It’s never too late for a plastic surgery
The developments in the cosmetic industry have enabled both men and women to undergo plastic surgery procedures regardless of age. With overall good health and having a realistic expectation, any adult can go in for a cosmetic procedure. Having said that, choosing the right surgeon is also vital to ensure safety.
At Shah Plastic Surgery, Dr. Nilay Shah works with patients from various age groups. Dr. Shah is a well-qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
If you are interested in any aesthetic or body contouring procedure you can simply call 212-203-1020 or simply visit or fill our online form to book an appointment today for a consultation.
