An article recently appeared in Outpatient Surgery Journal which gave suggestions on the appropriate age for plastic surgery. While this article was informative, at George H. Brennan MD, we firmly believe the propriety of performing surgery is not dictated by age but more related to patient safety.
How important is age when considering surgery?
Generally speaking, surgery has two main risk factors. The first is the actual surgical procedure and the second is the anesthesia for the surgery. Plastic surgery procedures have relatively minor risks, especially when compared to other medical surgeries. The more pervasive risk in any surgery, whether it’s plastic surgery or weight loss surgery is anesthesia. Before a patient undergoes a surgical procedure they must have a thorough medical work-up to ensure that it is safe for the patient to undergo the surgery, which includes the anesthesia.
There are certain patients who are 50 years of age or older who have medical conditions which make them more at risk for complications from anesthesia, and consequently should not undergo the surgery. That being said, if an individual has gone through a pre-surgery screening and is determined healthy and sound, there is really almost no limitation to the age a patient is able to have surgeries such as eyelid surgery, or a facelift.
Facelift at 90 years of age
The oldest patient that we have performed a facelift on was 90 years of age, in perfect health, sound of mind, had a great quality of life, and simply wanted to look better in her remaining years. Consulting with her primary care doctor and the anesthesiologist confirmed to us that she was in fact safe to have the surgery. She successfully underwent the facelift surgery and to this day is enjoying her second debut.
At her initial consultation she informed Dr. Brennan that she had extreme financial wealth but that she also had and abundance of greedy relatives waiting in line to inherit her fortune. She coyly commented to him “that before my greedy relatives inherit my fortune, this face of mine is going to benefit first!”
We have performed countless facelift procedures on people of various ages. What is most important is that you are in good health for the surgery, and then that you get the results that you are looking for. Below is what patients can expect from a typical facelift performed by Dr. Brennan:
• An outpatient setting
• Minor sedation and local anesthesia or general anesthesia (based on patient preference)
• The facelift surgery typically takes less than one hour.
• The patient is discharged the day of surgery
• By that evening they are able to read, watch TV, have dinner and enjoy a normal nights sleep
• No pain and little to no discomfort, minimal bruising and swelling
• Patient advised to resume all normal HADS day after surgery (Hygiene, Activities, Diet, Sleep)
• Patients may need extra strength Tylenol, stronger pain medication is rarely needed
At George H. Brennan, MD we take great care in understanding our patients, and strive to provide each one with the optimal surgical solution for them. We take a personal approach to each patient, and truly work with you to achieve the results you want, whether it’s through liposuction, a breast augmentation, or a facelift. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Brennan, please call 949-644-1641, or complete our contact form and we will be in touch with you shortly.
University of California, San Diego – Division of Plastic Surgery
In the July issue of Outpatient Surgery Magazine an article entitled Anatomy of a Surgical Error indicates 40 “wrong site” surgical errors are committed in the US per week, which translates to 2,080 patients per year. There is literally no excuse for this.
