Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups

Just as not all plastic surgery procedures are created equal, not all patients are created equal either. Each person has a unique set of traits and characteristics.

One of the biggest considerations is the age of the patient. A patient in her 20s is going to have different needs than one that’s in his 60s.

As such, doctors are always tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups to achieve optimal outcomes. We’ll look at some of those different considerations based on specific age groups.

Teens/Young Adults

Teens and young adults (those in their 20s and 30s) are very prone to social media influences. As such, they may come to a surgeon with unrealistic expectations.

What they fail to grasp at this age is that plastic surgery is not meant to be some sweeping miracle cure to whatever is ailing you about your appearance. So one of the most critical responsibilities with young patients is educating them about the long-term aspects of a procedure.

Facial contouring is in high demand among young adults. So surgeons need for them to understand how their ongoing physical and psychological development could be impacted. And there are simply some procedures that are not appropriate for teens and young adults.

The vast majority of teenagers should only be considered for cosmetic or minimally invasive procedures rather than surgery. Many of these procedures are not even available to them. Breast augmentation, for example, requires a patient to be over the age of 18.

Yet even young adults over 18, both men and women, who are seeking breast procedures need to understand the potential future implications of such a procedure. Many life changes happen during these years, including pregnancy.

Middle Age

The latest statistics from ASPS show that patients in their middle years are the most likely to seek out plastic surgery. Unlike their younger counterparts and having lived longer, they’re typically more realistic in their expectations. Although there will always be occasions where patients falsely regard plastic surgery as akin to the fountain of youth.

Patients in their 40s and 50s begin to see structural changes in the face. In addition, they’re beginning to lose skin elasticity. By this stage of their lives, they’ve established an identity that they may feel is fading. So rather than seeking augmentation, most people in middle age want procedures that are more restorative in nature. Facelifts and eyelid surgery are among the more popular.

Another consideration with middle age are health complications that are not as present in young adults. These will impact not only the procedure, but the recovery. So all of this must be considered when creating a surgical plan.

Senior Patients

As patients age into their 60s and beyond, the chances for complications increase. The effects of gravity and skin laxity can render certain procedures difficult or even impossible. The return on investment may not be worth it.

In addition, medication interactions and overall health need also to be heavily considered. As such, many plastic surgeons will recommend nonsurgical options first to address desired changes. If these are not adequate, then it becomes about striking the right balance between surgical and nonsurgical options based on the patient’s particular needs.

Considerations Across the Board

Yes, there are definite differences that come into play when working with specific age groups. For instance, younger patients will heal faster than older patients. But they are also prone to more pronounced scarring. So recovery plans must be customized to consider any age-related factors.

Regardless of a patient’s age, a truly professional plastic surgeon will always focus on ethical considerations. As such, they make every effort to stress the importance of the individual over societal pressures.

It’s the surgeon’s job to educate the patient on every possible alternative and discuss the impact the procedure(s) will have on him/her/them physically, psychologically, and socially. Any surgeon not doing this should be avoided.

Tailoring Plastic Surgery to Different Age Groups

The importance of tailoring plastic surgery to different age groups can’t be overemphasized. Steer clear of any doctor, clinic, or facility that will perform procedures without first covering all the bases.

If you’re ready to begin your journey, contact us to get started.

During your free consultation, our board-certified plastic surgeons will advise you on best practices and discuss your options. Then you can go forward with confidence – no matter what your age.