No matter who you are or your walk of life, at some point, you may look in the mirror and think where did all that time go? Life gets busy — careers, children, home responsibilities, traveling. And, in what seems like the blink of an eye, several decades have gone by; and the signs of aging are proudly displayed on your face. While every wrinkle, gray hair, and few extra pounds tell stories of a life well-lived, you may have started to wonder if there’s anything you can do to enhance your natural looks. Is there an age that’s considered to be too old for cosmetic surgery? And, is there anything you should take into account other than your birth date?
Cosmetic Procedures for People 65 or Older
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, in a study conducted to determine the risk of cosmetic procedures on different age groups, the possibility for complications was about the same for everyone — with the exception of people getting a tummy tuck. In this latter group, individuals who were 65 years of age or older experienced more serious complications than younger patients.
While these results can be reassuring if you’re a member of the Silver Sneakers club, there are several considerations you should keep in mind when deciding to undergo a cosmetic procedure. A person who’s 68 years of age could be healthier than a person who’s 35, depending on the lifestyle they lead and their overall health.
5 Factors To Consider If You’re Thinking of Cosmetic Procedures Later in Life
1. Overall Health
Heart or lung disease, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and obesity can all substantially increase the risk of complications during cosmetic procedures. Some of the more serious ones include a higher likelihood of infection or delayed healing. You also have to be in good mental health, as conditions such as anxiety or depression can be exacerbated by the stress of undergoing cosmetic procedures.
2. Lifestyle
Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight — with a body mass index below 30 — go hand-in-hand with overall physical health. However, do not go on a crash diet in order to be considered an ideal candidate for cosmetic enhancements. Doing so could have a detrimental effect on your health, and ultimately, on your body’s ability to heal from the procedures.
3. Smoking, Alcohol, and Drug Use
Smoking, using drugs, or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol could increase the risk of medical complications as much as an underlying health condition — such as cardiovascular disease. Quit smoking and drinking for about four weeks prior to undergoing a cosmetic procedure to ensure optimal health and adequate healing.
4. Medications
Certain medications — such as ibuprofen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — could cause additional bleeding. Hormone supplements, diet pills, and blood thinners could also have an effect on whether you could undergo a cosmetic procedure successfully. Tell your doctor about all medications you’re currently taking in order to decide whether a specific procedure is right for you.
5. Skin’s condition
Skin elasticity is essential for you to be happy with your look after a cosmetic enhancement. This is because if your skin isn’t firm enough — if you remove excess fat — you may end up with loose or sagging skin. Certain life events, such as repeated pregnancies, substantial weight gain, or advanced age will all affect your skin’s elasticity. Talk with your doctor about ways to increase your skin’s firmness — such as through hydration, wearing sunscreen, quitting smoking, and other relevant lifestyle factors.
If You’re Thinking About Cosmetic Enhancements, Contact Innovations Medical
If you’re looking to reshape your body and boost your self-confidence, Innovations Medical is here for you. We’ll answer your questions and resolve any concerns you have about cosmetic procedures. We’ve been helping our patients look their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To explore cosmetic options and learn how Innovations Medical can bounce back your body, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.