Back in1979, there was a song by a group called “Blondie” with lyrics that went like this, “Die young, stay pretty.” Getting old has never been something young people openly embrace. With it’s wrinkled skin, onset of aches and pains and illnesses, who could blame anyone for not wanting to get ‘old’?
Since the late 70’s we’ve learned so much more about how to take care of our health. The entire population has not jumped on board – far from it – but at least the information is widely available and many people live a much healthier lifestyle. We’ve learned the importance of eating fresh vegetables and fruits and the important role of an active lifestyle. As a result of this learning, getting old doesn’t have to be feared.
In addition, the phenomenal advancements in cosmetic surgery and the widespread acceptance of cosmetic surgery have contributed to turning back the hands of time, so to speak. Today we hear that “60 is the new 40.” That’s a far cry from the lyrics from nearly 40 years ago.
So it comes as no surprise that the number of seniors getting plastic surgery has increased and continues to do so. According to an article published in New Hampshire Magazine last year, “There were more than 10 million surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in the United States in 2014, and according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), women and men aged 51-64 accounted for 24.6 percent of the surgical and 32.9 percent of the non-surgical procedures. Moreover, the 65-plus set signed on for 7.9 percent of the surgeries and 10.9 percent of the non-surgical methods. Consider that only four years before, just 5.2 percent of people in their age bracket went under the knife.” (http://www.nhmagazine.com/August-2015/When-Is-it-Too-Late-for-Plastic-Surgery/)
With many people living well into their 90’s in this day and age, we might as well do everything we can to look and feel our very best for as long as we possibly can. We have the medical technology to transplant organs when ours fail. There are surgeries to help people lose massive amounts of weight so they can achieve greater levels of health and look and feel their best. We have the medical technology to implant shiny new teeth in our mouths and whitening processes that keep out teeth bright and youthful looking. In cosmetic surgery, there are techniques available now that were not available 20 years ago. There are also non-surgical procedures available. In addition, anesthesia is safer.
As the New Hampshire Magazine points out, “The most commonly requested surgeries by seniors are liposuction, facelifts, breast lifts, eyelid lifts and tummy tucks.” They continue adding, “Breast augmentation, forehead lifts, lower body lifts, arm lifts, breast reductions, cheek augmentation, chin augmentation and nose restructuring also make the wish list.” (http://www.nhmagazine.com/August-2015/When-Is-it-Too-Late-for-Plastic-Surgery/)
As long as you are healthy and there are no illnesses or conditions that would make surgery unsafe, age is no limit to having plastic surgery procedures. The most important thing to consider at any age is the surgeon you choose to work with. Always seek out the best Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced in the areas you are considering. Live long and look your best!
