Tennessee Cosmetic Surgery | The Plastic Surgery Group P.C.

At 85, a retired army general’s wife was still in the thick of things. She enjoyed excellent health, and a vigorous lifestyle. She, however, was not at all happy with what she saw in the mirror. There seemed to exist a stark contrast between her self perception and her aged appearance. Her cousin, a well respected, retired plastic surgeon suggested that she might be a candidate for a facelift. After careful review of her physical health, she safely underwent a three hour modified face and neck lift. She was very pleased to regain a “look” that was more consistent with how she felt about herself.

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has reported that in 2010 at least 84,685 procedures among patients older that 65 were reported by its members. That is a 21% increase from the preceding year. Cosmetic surgery among septuagenarians and octogenarians is on a steady rise as baby boomers pass the age of 65.

Cosmetic surgery should be limited to those who are in good health, but there is not necessarily a theoretical age cut off. It may be better to consider physiologic age then chronologic age. People who have good genetics, and have protected their health with exercise and good lifestyle habits may enjoy an active life well into their nineties. Recent studies published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery report that the risks of surgery in an appropriately screened population over 65 are no greater than those of younger patients. Cleveland Clinic research has indicated that there is no difference in complications of facelift operations in patients whose average age was 70 and patients whose average age was 57.6.

As our healthy population ages, more people continue to work or even look for second careers. Moreover, the stereotype of the socially isolated, stay-at-home elderly is being exploded. This is the era of the AARP. Spend just a few minutes watching the television and you will see this demographic in action. Baby Boomers and Beyond are vital, engaged; and, as the VIAGRA ads indicate, want to be sexually attractive throughout their Golden Years.

Cosmetic surgical interventions range from eyelift to body contouring and breast augmentation. Injection therapies can even be tailored to meet the expectations of patients with more fragile medical histories. The key to success is safety first. In all studies of elective surgery in the aging population, health problems like diabetes, heart and lung disease, and anticoagulants like warfarin and PLAVIX pose significant questions with regard to the reasonable risk of the procedure.

Look for sound advice from a well respected surgeon. A recent two day multipage special section on “Cosmetic” surgery appeared in the newspaper USA Today. It warned its readers to be wary of the undertrained physician who masquerades as a plastic surgeon to gain the trust of unsuspecting patients. Be educated. If nothing else, seek several opinions about your proposed surgery before acting. Engage you primary care physician in your plan. The best cosmetic plastic surgeons will want your Doctor to be “in the loop” regarding any future surgical intervention. Your cosmetic surgery experience should be both safe and satisfying. Put yourself in reliable hands and enjoy your refreshed REFINED LOOK.