The rise in silver surgeries

Why are more people in their 60s having cosmetic surgery?

By Professor Marcos Sforza, Expert Aesthetic Surgeon and Scientific Director, MyAesthetics Mybreast

According to 2016 research from The Independent Pensions Advisory Service, pensioners are increasingly informing their advisers they would like to spend their money on cosmetic surgery procedures, including breast enlargements, reductions and facelifts.

In part, this shift is due to changes in modern society, such as the increased life expectancy older generations now enjoy. Additionally, the spending power of the global 60-plus age bracket has grown considerably, fuelled in part by a rise in disposable income.

However, if I had to pinpoint a specific reason behind this change, I would point to the increased normalisation of cosmetic surgery in society; particularly as many people desire more natural looking results.

Increasingly, patients from this generation want to look outwardly like the way they feel inside. Often, patients will say: ‘I look in the mirror and I don’t recognise that person. I would like to look the way I feel,’ or: ‘When I look back 10 years I don’t see any difference in the way I think, only the way I look.’

Contrary to common misconceptions, older generations aren’t looking to reverse the ageing process. Instead, this age group are simply living longer, remaining healthier and want their external appearance to align with how they feel.

Health essentials to consider

While older generations are increasingly leading healthier lives and living for longer, there can be risks associated with cosmetic procedures as you age. For instance, adults over 75 could have a 1.5 times higher risk of developing complications during procedures requiring general anaesthesia.

However, while age can increase the risk of complications, there are other factors to consider too. If you are healthy and do not have pre-existing health conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes or increased blood pressure, you could still be a viable candidate for surgery.

If you are an older woman concerned that breast augmentation surgery could negatively impact your mammogram results, you should take comfort from the fact a sizeable number of the UK population have breast implants and are screened regularly by the NHS. Therefore, in most cases, if you do embark on surgery, this should not be a significant issue.

However, for safety purposes, you should always inform your mammography technician if you do have implants, so they can adapt their technique accordingly during the imaging process.

If you intend to go ahead with surgery, you do need to bear in mind you will require a caregiver for up to 48 hours afterwards who will be instructed by your surgeon on how to assist with medication and post-operative care.

Generally, all patients, no matter what their age, should refrain from exercise for 2-4 weeks after facial surgery, breast enhancement procedures or liposuction. After a tummy tuck operation, you will need to wait even longer to engage in exercise (typically 6-8 weeks) as the muscles will need to correct post-surgery.

What to look for from a cosmetic procedure

While cosmetic surgery is a viable option for many older people, it’s vital prospective patients do not overestimate what surgery can do. While it can help you to feel more confident or happier in your appearance, it is not able to transport you back to your 30-year-old self.

It’s important all patients have an open dialogue with their surgeon to make sure they have realistic expectations and the best results are achieved.

To attain the best outcome, it’s important not to become distracted by deals and offers. You need to thoroughly research the treatment you intend on having and read reviews to make sure you select the right practice for your specific needs.

Most importantly of all, your surgery should only be performed by a fully-accredited plastic surgeon who is a member of the main representative bodies for maintaining industry standards such as BAAPS, BAPRAS or ISAPS.

At MyBreast, we have a team of highly qualified industry professionals whose years of clinical and teaching experience enable us to provide expert cosmetic surgery guidance for all ages. Meet our operating surgeons