For decades, plastic surgery was often associated with the vanity-obsessed and celebrities who had “too much work done.” But that’s not the whole story. In recent years, a growing number of people, especially those over the age of 55, have been rewriting the narrative. With advances in technology, refined techniques and a growing interest in graceful aging, more older adults are exploring cosmetic procedures to help them look as vibrant as they feel.
Plastic Surgery Trends Among Seniors
“The stigma around plastic surgery is fading,” explained Dr. Sami Tarabishy, a plastic surgeon with The Facial Surgery Center. “Patients of all ages are seeking to rejuvenate, augment or improve their appearance in some way. Appropriately selected procedures for each patient’s needs yield excellent outcomes for any age.”
Some of the most common facial rejuvenation and procedures for the 55+ crowd include facelifts, eyelid surgery, brow lifts and skin resurfacing. For the body, breast lifts, tummy tucks and body contouring are common ways to alleviate sagging or excess skin. These procedures restore confidence and help patients feel more like themselves again.
Goals of Older Adults in Cosmetic Surgery
Younger patients often seek to enhance their natural features or change a feature they are dissatisfied with, like their nose or breast size, but older adults usually have a different goal. “Older patients are typically interested in turning back the clock to look rested, natural and more like they did 10 or 15 years ago. It’s less about transformation, more about restoration,” Dr. Tarabishy said.
In many cases, plastic surgery is done to improve the quality of life. For example, a blepharoplasty, also known as eyelid surgery, can improve peripheral vision that has been obstructed by sagging eyelids; a rhinoplasty can improve breathing and sleep issues.
Considerations for Seniors
Surgical priorities change as we age, and so does our skin. Over time, our bodies undergo transitions that can influence surgical outcomes: slower healing, reduced skin elasticity and other medical conditions. These factors, Dr. Tarabishy explained, don’t necessarily rule out surgery. “I’ve had 90-year-old patients who are healthier than some 50-year-olds,” he said. “It’s not really about age; it’s about the individual. Outcomes can be excellent if someone’s comorbidities are well-managed and they’re medically cleared for surgery.”
Time spent healing from surgery tends to take longer as we age. “For most surgeries, I advise patients to plan for a solid two to three weeks of recovery before returning to work or regular activities,” he said. “It depends on the specific procedure, but patience is important. Swelling, bruising and some discomfort are normal parts of healing.”
Nonsurgical Cosmetic Options
Nonsurgical options are available for those who want improvement without downtime or surgery. “Neurotoxins like Botox, dermal fillers, fat transfer and laser skin resurfacing can be very effective,” Dr. Tarabishy said. “In the right patient, they can provide subtle, natural-looking results without incisions or anesthesia.”
Benefits and Risks of Surgery
Plastic surgery at any age comes with pros and cons. On the plus side, it can lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life, like feeling more confident and enjoying social events again without feeling self-conscious. On the downside, it’s not without risks. Surgical complications, dissatisfaction with results or prolonged healing times can occur, especially if expectations aren’t realistic or the procedure isn’t performed by a qualified, board eligible/board-certified surgeon.
A skilled plastic surgeon will assess your health, goals and skin condition before recommending a plan and will educate you on the options and risks, rather than rushing you into a procedure. “One of my priorities is always counseling patients preoperatively on their particular case, the risks, benefits and alternatives of the procedures we are considering and what the reasonably expected outcome might be.”
Restoring Confidence Later in Life
Ultimately, most of the people having plastic surgery over the age of 55 are not trying to transform themselves; they are simply trying to feel like themselves again in a body that reflects the way they feel on the inside. Rejuvenating the face or body with plastic surgery helps to restore confidence. With advancements in surgical techniques, more refined results and the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures among older adults, age is just a number.
“If you’re healthy, informed and have realistic expectations, plastic surgery can be a fantastic tool to help you feel your best at any stage of life,” said Dr. Tarabishy.
Whether you’re considering a subtle touch-up or a more dramatic rejuvenation, consider making an investment in yourself. It may just be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
By Anne Toole
