Age and Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Age and Cosmetic Surgery Procedures
Many of us turn to cosmetic procedures to enhance our appearance during our lifetimes. From Botox injections to full face and body makeovers, there seems to be a correlation between how old we are and the types of procedures that we seek out.
In my 18 years of working in this field, I definitely see a pattern between how old people are and what procedures they choose to have done.
Magazines, T.V. and tabloids are constantly writing about and pointing out what the celebrities are having done in Hollywood…and it is no wonder that teenagers and young adults are thinking about having cosmetic procedures themselves, as well as people in all the other age groups.
Let’s take a look at what are the top cosmetic procedures requested by age…
Teenagers: The top procedure requested and performed on teenagers is rhinoplasty. This is a surgery that can be done before the age of 18, provided that the parents and the surgeon have communicated with the adolescent in depth and are all in agreement on the procedure. Usually, the nose has a bump or hump, is too large, or just doesn’t match the facial structures. The youngest patient that I have seen for rhinoplasty is 16…however, each individual is different and it is up to the surgeon, parents, and patient to determine when the time is right. The recovery is fairly easy, and many male and female teenagers have this done during summer or winter break.
Breast Augmentation
This is a procedure that teenage girls do talk about and want to have done; however, it is a procedure in which the patient should be at least 18 years of age. The American Society for Plastic Surgeons has a position that does not support breast augmentation in patients under the age of 18, and the FDA approves silicone breast implants in patients over the age of 21. Breast development continues into the early 20’s, so girls who think they need breast augmentation at 18 might change their minds once they get older.
Your 20’s: Again, Breast Augmentation is popular, and Liposuction is a frequent choice as well. Liposuction is a great body sculpting procedure that works well in addition to a healthy lifestyle and for people who maintain adequate weight, exercise, and still have some stubborn pockets of fat on their abdomen, thighs, and legs.
Gynecomastia in Males: Some males produce breast tissue during their teen years for hormonal reasons that does not resolve and causes them embarrassment and lowers their self esteem. Gynecomastia, or the removal of this breast tissue, is a procedure that can be done to remove this tissue, provided that a full hormonal work up is done prior.
Your 30’s: This is when small procedures on the face begin. Usually, people notice deepening wrinkles on the forehead and faint wrinkles around the eyes. Many people start their first Botox and Restylane /Juvederm products in their early 30’s. Also, brown spots and freckles start to appear, and light lasers such as IPL are used to lighten the dark spots.
Your 40’s: Body makeover time. Many women have gone through pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, so Mommy Makeovers are popular. Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty) and Breast Augmentations and lifts are done to give women their body back. Also Liposuction associated with these procedures is also done.
Men choose to have the ever-popular liposuction to the love-handles and even some will start Botox treatments. Another popular male surgery is Blepharoplasty, or eye surgery to look younger.
Your 50’s and beyond…Back to the Face
As we age and begin to lose volume and elasticity in the face, many people in this age group start doing more fillers, volumizers, ablative lasers to resurface the skin, and Facelifts. Although there are so many procedures that can prolong the need for a Facelift, i.e. the “Liquid Facelift”, there still comes a time that the skin needs to be surgically lifted. This is usually combined with a necklift as the neck has thinner skin and is harder to treat with fillers, etc.
Whatever age we are, cosmetic procedures have become a very popular way to stay looking refreshed, rested, and younger. Many people chose cosmetic procedures in the competitive work environment prior to interviews, big meetings, etc.
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery can help you address different areas as you age. Realistically, we all want to look as good as we possibly can for the age group that we are in. When we have reasonable expectations and a healthy outlook on the results of cosmetic surgery, it can be a very positive experience that will help keep you youthful looking for many years.
Learn more our dermal filler & Botox training in Beverly Hills & Nashville for doctors and nurses.
Sylvia Silvestri, R.N.
