Does Plastic Surgery Have an Age Limit?

Posted on July 28, 2022 in Plastic Surgery

Many facial plastic surgery procedures are designed to create a rejuvenated and youthful appearance. While it is often recommended to have these procedures at a younger age, when minimal aging signs can mean less invasive procedures are sufficient, some patients may be concerned that they have surpassed an age limit to have plastic surgery. This is not the case for a vast majority. Continue reading to learn more about plastic surgery for older patients.

How Old is Too Old for Plastic Surgery?

There is no true age limit for plastic surgery. The primary concern is whether you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. Generally speaking, patients ages 65+ do not typically face higher risks in plastic surgery compared to younger patients. Certain medical conditions which may be more common at an older age can disqualify candidates from safely undergoing a surgical procedure. For this reason, Dr. Ransom will carefully evaluate your health history and review any conditions, allergies, or medications to determine whether you can safely undergo a procedure you are interested in. In some cases, you may also be asked to complete medical testing to qualify for surgery. This may include blood tests or screenings with other medical professionals. For example, blepharoplasty patients may be asked to complete an eye exam with an ophthalmologist who can confirm they are healthy enough for the procedure.

What is the Average Age for Plastic Surgery?

Many plastic surgery procedures, such as facelifts, neck lifts, or blepharoplasty, are performed to address signs of aging such as sagging or drooping skin, wrinkles, fine lines, or folds. All patients will see these signs of aging at different times based on genetic and lifestyle factors. For example, patients who spend more time outdoors without proper SPF will likely see skin damage at an earlier age.

With this in mind, most plastic surgery patients decide to undergo procedures sometime between their mid-40s through their 50s. This does not mean that it is “too late” for other patients to have a procedure, however. At any stage of life, you can see a plastic surgeon like Dr. Ransom to learn your best options for anti-aging procedures.

How Long Does Plastic Surgery Last?

Unfortunately, most anti-aging plastic surgery results are not permanent. Eventually, the natural aging process will resume and some degree of wrinkles or sagging skin will become visible. However, most surgeries offer long-lasting results, which can be extended with proper skin care. This includes moisturizing properly, using SPF 30+ daily, and incorporating anti-aging ingredients such as retinoids into your normal skin care routine. During a consultation, Dr. Ransom can advise a routine that can help extend your plastic surgery results.

In most cases, patients can expect their facelift, neck lift, or blepharoplasty results to last at least 10 years. Brow lift results typically last 5-10 years.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about a facial plastic surgery procedure you are interested in, schedule a consultation with Dr. Evan Ransom at Ransom/MD. Call our San Francisco office at (415) 877-6592 or contact us online to set up your first appointment.

Dr. Ransom

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.