Older patients-USA Trend likely to grow
Last year there were 84,685 surgical procedures among patients age 65 and older, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. They included 26,635 facelifts; 24,783 cosmetic eyelid operations; 6,469 liposuctions; 5,874 breast reductions; 3,875 forehead lifts; 3,339 breast lifts; and 2,414 breast augmentations.
Except for a brief turndown during the recession, those numbers have been rising for years now, and experts say the trend seems likely to accelerate as baby boomers begin to pass age 65.
Seniors in good physical health can be considered for most cosmetic surgeries. Advancing age is rarely a disqualifying factor.
“It all depends on the type of anesthesia that will be needed. Longer surgeries with general anesthesia are of a little more concern than if we’re using local anesthesia,” Scheiner said.
We interview Dr Daniel Lanzer, a leading Australian expert in Cosmetic Surgery and asked for his opinion on “cosmetic surgery with older patients”
I see older patients for all types of cosmetic surgery procedures such as:
Laser Resurfacing- particularly for wrinkles around the mouth and eyes and blotchy skin- Leaves skin smoother and cleaner.
Face Rejuvenation- for gentle tightening and smoothing of skin.
Face Makeover and Face lifts- For a more dramatic overall result.
Eyelid Rejuvenation- heavy eyes develop with age and a more open upper lid and smoother lower lid helps with the tired look.
Liposuction- Shaping the neck can help with the aging process. Even when skin is loose Dr Lanzer explains he can induce skin retraction.
Breast reduction- Patients of all ages complain of back and neck pain from heavy breasts
And various other Cosmetic Procedures
We asked Dr Lanzer why do older people have Cosmetic Surgery:
People often say to me, my body or face looks ageing yet I still feel so young, so they are wanting to have some type of surgery to match how they feel about themselves. To either feel rejuvenated , this also helps them to stay in the work place longer.
I think older people are more prepared to consider it now as Cosmetic Surgery techniques have got better and safer. Each person I meet I discuss with them all that is involved in the surgery. I access their health, and that they meet all of the pre-surgical criteria. These days we often see older people who are healthier and fitter than perhaps someone in their forties, and there is no reason why they should not have surgery.
For more information visit www.drlanzer.com or call our Day hospital for any information on Cosmetic Surgery