Dr. Castiilo | Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

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Myths and Truths about Surgery in the Older Individual

Friday, June 26th, 2009

The portion of the population in the United States that is 65 or older will continue to steadily increase. The US Census Bureau expects that by the year 2030, one out of every five Americans will be age 65 or older. This fact alone suggests that the popularity of cosmetic surgery in the older individual will steadily increase.

Age alone is not a determinant of who can or who should have cosmetic surgery. The age of the patient is irrelevant to the safety and the appropriateness of surgery. The relevant issue is the health of the individual. In a healthy individual, such as one who does mild to moderate exercise and takes few medication, cosmetic surgery is an extremely safe and rewarding surgical procedure. By the same taken, an individual who may only be in their 40’s but is on high blood pressure medication and smokes, is a significant surgical risk.

As an individual ages, there seems to be a natural tendency and trend toward participating in less activities and being less socially involved. It surprises no one that when an individual looks younger, they will act younger. They will participate in a greater number of social activities. Those patients who are seeking to look younger are generally patients who have what is referred to as “cognitive and emotional vibrancy.” This refers to the degree of awareness, connectedness, and involvement that the individual may have in the current issues of the day. One could say that a window of cognitive vibrancy would be demonstrated with high physical energy and animated facial expression.

Of extreme importance is the fact that older individuals have less hang ups and less need to prove themselves. Under these circumstances, the effects of cosmetic surgery tend to be much more satisfying. The need for perfection is not generally there. They are looking for improvement, not necessarily a homerun.

oldercouple The portion of the population in the United States that is 65 or older will continue to steadily increase. The US Census Bureau expects that by the year 2030, one out of every five Americans will be age 65 or older. This fact alone suggests that the popularity of cosmetic surgery in the older individual will steadily increase.