The question of whether you are too old for plastic surgery has been addressed by a recent study from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which was assessed by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Researchers found that elderly patients undergoing plastic surgery procedures were at no greater risk for complications than their younger counterparts. This is good news for senior citizens who want to maintain a youthful appearance in their later years to match their youthful energy and active lifestyles.
About the Study
Vanderbilt doctors examined records from 129,000 cosmetic surgery patients over a five-year period. Elderly patients (over the age of 65) had an average age of 69 and made up more than 6,700 of the patients in the database. Younger patients (under the age of 65) made up the rest of the database, with an average age of 39. Researchers compared the two groups to determine whether plastic surgery outcomes were different between the two groups.
Researchers found that patients under the age of 65 had an average complication rate of 1.94 percent, versus 1.84 percent for patients over 65. This similar outcome was seen despite the fact that the older patient population had a higher incidence of underlying medical conditions like diabetes and higher body mass indices (BMIs). However, there was one exception. The only procedure that had a higher incidence of complications in the older population was a tummy tuck, with a complication rate of 5.4 percent versus 3.9 percent in the younger population.
Researchers also failed to see a significant increase in complications in patients 80 years and older. This subgroup of patients had a complication rate of 2.2 percent, compared with a complication rate of 1.9 percent in patients younger than 80.
Other Differences
In addition to studying complication rates in different age groups, researchers also examined the differences in plastic surgery trends between the two groups. They discovered that facial procedures were more common for older patients, while younger patients were more likely to choose breast enhancement procedures. The older age group also had a higher rate of male patients (11.3 percent) versus 6.2 percent in the younger subset.
This research reinforces the idea that men and women of all ages can receive cosmetic procedures safely. Dr. Kahlil Andrews looks at many factors to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a plastic surgical procedure, including medical history, healthy weight, other health risk factors, and the patient’s reasons for wanting plastic surgery. Any red flags that arise during the initial consultation will be addressed at length before a procedure, to ensure the patient’s safety during and after surgery.
Why Do Elderly Patients Pursue Plastic Surgery?
There are many reasons why older patients may consider plastic surgery. One of the most significant factors is the desire to look as vibrant and youthful as they feel internally, aligning external appearance with a positive self-image and increased self-confidence in social interactions and professional environments. Reduced stigma and cultural shifts have also empowered older adults to explore cosmetic treatments for personal reasons rather than external pressures. Additionally, older people today are in better health and more active, and many have the time and financial stability to invest in themselves.
As we age, sagging skin and wrinkles are inevitable, which is why procedures like a facelift, neck lift, forehead lift, or eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) are some of the most popular for patients over 65. These surgical procedures address moderate to severe signs of facial aging and restore a more youthful appearance customized to each individual patient’s aesthetic goals and natural look. We also offer nonsurgical options like Botox, fillers, lasers, and facials to smooth wrinkles, tighten mildly loose skin, and refresh older adults’ naturally youthful look with minimal downtime and recovery.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in plastic surgery, it is important to find the right surgeon who can help you celebrate your golden years with a refreshed version of yourself. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrews can help you determine the best procedure for you. Contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery at 319-800-6877 to schedule a consultation and get started on your personalized treatment plan.
