If you're considering plastic surgery, a concern you may have is your age. Each surgical operation is determined on a case by case basis, which means age may not prevent you from getting surgery. Consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon, no matter what your age, is the first step in deciding whether or not to undergo a plastic surgery procedure.
Factors to Consider
A plastic surgeon takes a number of factors into consideration when evaluating a candidate for a procedure. While age is one of those factors, other factors include a person's lifestyle, genetics, both physical and mental health, and any associated risks. If a person is deemed a good candidate for plastic surgery, there should be nothing standing in the way!
Number of Individuals Under 18 Getting Surgery
In 2013, 1% of total plastic surgery procedures, or around 113,000 procedures, were done on those under the age of 18. This number has dropped since 2002, when 3.2% of all plastic surgery was done on the same population.
Corrective ear surgery is often recommended to parents before the child reaches primary school and is one of the most popular procedures that those under 18 receive. Other popular operations are breast reductions, rhinoplasty, and acne and scar treatment.
For procedures that occur in those under 18, a teenager must reach certain physical milestones before surgery can be considered. Teenagers should have realistic expectations to what plastic surgery means.
Over 65 Continue To Get Surgery
In 2013, 9.7% of all plastic surgery procedures were done on those over the age of 65. If this is your category, you are in good company! Cosmetic procedures can be a great confidence boost for seniors. A common procedure for those over 65 is a facelift to tighten the skin around the face.
If you have any questions about a cosmetic procedure and whether or not it is safe with your age, our team is a phone call away. Dr. Yuly Gorodisky is board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery. He and the team at West Coast Plastic Surgery Center are here to answer any questions you may have about a procedure. Contact us today!