Americans in this day and age are healthier and living longer than ever. This is especially true when compared to people from generations past. Back in the Medieval times, if you were lucky enough to reach the ripe old age of “35”, you’d be considered a senior citizen.
As the Baby Boomer generation enters into retirement age, they don’t look nor do they feel their actual age. “60” is now the new “40” and it’s getting harder and harder to tell how old someone is just by looking at them.
However, there are certain conditions that can cause a person to look his or her age:
- Facial wrinkles
- Lines on the face
- Age Spots
- Saggy breasts
It’s no wonder that plastic surgeons are now reporting a massive surge in adults over the age of 55 who are looking to get work done.
In this article we’re going to explore plastic surgery for older people, what it entails, who might it be best suited for, and answer the ultimate question:
“Should I get work done at my age?”
The Baby Boomer Generation
Baby Boomers make up the largest older adult population in our nation’s history. According to the National Census Bureau, there are 50 million Americans who are now over the age of 65.
Better healthcare, better eating habits, and better exercise routines have contributed to a huge population of over-65 adults that don’t look anywhere near their actual age.
In fact, more and more older people are looking better and more physically fit than people 20 years their junior. They work out, eat healthy, and want their faces and bodies to look as good as they feel.
So why not get a little bit of work done?
Why Do People Consider Plastic Surgery?
There used to be a stigma in the U.S. where getting plastic surgery was not only taboo but something you wanted to keep between you and your surgeon.
Over the past 30 or so years, that has all changed thanks in part to social media, celebrities, and our culture in general.
Many older adults don’t feel anywhere near their actual age and want to look their best regardless of how old their driver’s license says they are.
They don’t feel nor do they look anything like their parents and grandparents. However, many older adults still think that they’re too old to get work done.
This can’t be further from the truth.
Yes, as our bodies age they tend to become more fragile, and certain medical conditions can develop which would make plastic surgery unsafe.
However, for the vast majority of older people, a little bit of plastic surgery can make them look and feel many years younger and will act as a strong psychological morale booster.
In short: You’re not old.
You only want to look better, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all.
You should be celebrated that you’ve made it this far in life and look and feel as good as you currently do.
There are millions of Americans who are over the age of 55 who have undergone the proverbial knife and not only lived to tell about it, but now look better than they ever did.
Am I a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery?
While it’s true that the older we get, the frailer our bodies become, and the longer it can take to heal up from surgery. However, all that means is some extra precautions must be taken.
Before a surgeon agrees to perform plastic surgery, they will want to know your medical and surgical history. They will also want to know what medications you’re currently taking.
The reason for this is because certain medical conditions and medications would prevent a surgeon from recommending or agreeing to perform a procedure.
In short, you need to be healthy.
Your surgeon may ask you to go back to your primary care physician and get a medical clearance that states you’re healthy. In some cases, you may be asked to undergo additional testing, such as blood or EKG tests.
Your current lifestyle may factor into the decision as well. If you’re a heavy drinker, smoker, or drug user, your doctor may not feel comfortable giving you the go-ahead.
The same goes for people who have certain medical conditions that could inhibit or prevent healing from plastic surgery.
Once your primary doctor has given you clearance, your surgeon will sit down with you again to discuss results and expectations.
Reasonable expectations
After you’ve been given clearance by your primary care physician and the surgeon has agreed to perform the procedure, you will need to set your expectations properly.
While plastic surgery can do amazing things, you should keep in mind that you’re not going to walk out of the operating room looking like a 20-year-old.
There are, however, alternatives to undergoing the knife.
Such procedures as Botox, dermal fillers and even ThermiVa (a vaginal tightening procedure), can still take years off of your body and face.
Injectables are also safer to get and don’t require long healing times or incisions into your body. They’re also much less expensive than traditional surgery.
Many adults over the age of 65 are now flocking to Botox and dermal fillers to smooth out the wrinkles and lines in their faces, necks, and bodies and they look amazing!
Plastic Surgery for Adults Over 55
If you’re an older adult and would like to see if it’s possible to get some work done, give our offices a call at (214) 965-9885 or contact us via our website to schedule a consultation with Dr. Adams.
Remember, you’re only as old as you feel, and it is possible for many older adults to get plastic surgery or injectables to help them look and feel great!
