In recent years, plastic surgery has become more mainstream. The stigma and judgment that once held up is no longer as big an issue. In fact, in a 2010 survey, 67% of Americans said that they would not be embarrassed if someone they know got plastic surgery.
In that same survey, 77% of people over the age of 65 would be open to getting plastic surgery themselves. This survey has been proven to be true through the increased rates of people over 65 that get plastic surgery.
If you are worried that the procedure you want is too risky for someone your age, worry not. Most sources say that the safety of plastic surgery for people over the age of 60 mostly depends on situational factors, not age.
A large study examining the ages of plastic surgery patients in the U.S. determined that there was no substantial difference between the outcome of plastic surgeries for people over and under 65.
This study also showed that the older people in the sample were in better health than their younger counterparts. This means that they were less likely to be a smoker and more likely to be at a healthy weight. After surgery, the older patients were less likely to develop complications.
Additionally, further studies show that older people are more likely to get more low-risk surgeries on their faces than their younger counterparts. Statistically, less than 2% of people over the age of 65 have postoperative complications.
What to Consider if You Are Older Than 60 and Want Plastic Surgery
The success of your surgery depends on your surgeon. You need to find someone who’s qualified.
Make sure that the person who operates on you is a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon. This way, you will know that they can evaluate you and perform a cosmetic procedure safely. Before you schedule your procedure they will consider.
- Your overall health
- Risk factors
- The medications you're on
- Your skin’s condition
- What your desired results are
During your initial consultations, the doctor will tell you if the procedure you want is safe and viable for you.
Things to Watch Out For
While cosmetic surgeries are typically not covered by insurance, you may want to resist the urge to get the lowest price for your procedure.
Saving money before your procedure might seem tempting. However, getting a scar, burn, or botched surgery can affect your appearance, not to mention your health for the rest of your life. It also might mandate that you get further surgeries to fix the original one, making a point of getting a cheaper surgery null.
Additionally, one of the only surgeries that have been proven to have more complications for older adults is the tummy tuck.
It is also worth noting that many older patients have difficulties with wound healing, hematoma, and infection. However, with the right surgeon and proper post-operation care, these risks can be reduced.
