(PRWEB) August 30, 2011
Not so long ago the idea of a woman or a man having plastic surgery in their 70's or 80's was rare. Today however, plastic surgeons are finding this older age bracket to be the fastest growing segment of their practice.
Dr. Paul M. Parker of the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery, New Jersey has noticed the increase in patients over 65 years old in his practice as well. Dr. Parker believes there are several reasons senior patients are looking more toward plastic surgery.
"For a good number of these patients their chronological age is often much older than their body's physical age. There's no doubt that many of these patients have taken care of themselves with diet and exercise and are troubled that their "look" doesn't match up with how they feel," explained Dr. Parker, plastic surgeon, New Jersey.
Besides having a youthful outlook, these patients may also be encouraged by our general acceptance of plastic surgery these days. With that stigma removed, there are an increasing number of older women, younger and older men choosing cosmetic surgery.
"As a yoga instructor, I believe in exercise, but there are some issues that exercise can't fix. Even though I was 79, I knew that a breast reduction would help my shoulder feel better, that I would walk taller and it would increase my yoga abilities," states a reduction mammoplasty patient.
While the criteria for screening patients is generally the same as other cosmetic surgical procedures, the overriding concern surgeons have regarding these patients is their overall health. A person is a good surgical candidate if they are in good general health, screened for lung and heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Also, the use of certain medications such as anti-coagulants can complicate operations.
Other concerns are psychological. It is important to learn why these patients are seeking surgery and how motivated they are to undergo the procedure. New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Parker will also consider what results the patient expects and be assured that they have the support of their family and medical doctor.
"I also believe more older patients are seeking plastic surgery because the techniques we use have improved the results. Also, anesthesia monitoring and drugs have improved, making it safer to operate on patients in general and older folks in particular," said Dr. Parker, New Jersey plastic surgeon.
While there are not a lot of studies on the subject, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic recently reviewed the medical records of patients who had undergone facelift surgery over the past three years. They found "no specific difference in the instances of minor or major complications" between patients whose average age was 70 and another group whose average age is 57.6.
This study reinforces Dr. Parker?s belief that physiological age is more important than chronological age. All Parker Center patients are carefully screened for medical issues, motivational issues and expectations prior to surgery.
Senior men and women are mostly seeking facial work including face-lifts and eyelid surgeries, although breast reductions, lifts and augmentations account for a significant number of these surgeries in older women.
A few years ago, Dr. Parker performed a face-lift on an 86-year old woman who was a very energetic, healthy, and positive person. She also had a 71 year old boy friend and wanted to look closer to his age. She had some sagging skin, facial atrophy and a laxity of skin in her neck. Because of her advanced age, a prudent Dr. Parker spoke with her family and her medical doctor, all of whom assured him that this woman was much younger physiologically than her chronological age.
"This 86 year old patient sailed through her surgery and her recovery. This typifies the type of older patients we see and our approach. Not only is the patient motivated, but they are healthy and have the full support of their loved ones and medical doctor," Dr. Parker explained regarding New Jersey plastic surgery.
A realistic expectation is also a key factor in achieving a successful result. Patients in their 70's and 80's need to understand that a successful surgical result is looking good for your age; not looking to appear half your age.
"So what if I'm over 80? I'm in good shape and I want to look it too. The women in my family live a long time and I expect to as well so why not look my best?,? says facelift, New Jersey, patient.
Today's active seniors are enjoying the benefits of keeping themselves in good health with diet and exercise and they want to look as good as they feel. These patients have had led full lives, sacrificed to raise their children, worked hard at their careers and want to do this for themselves.
"There no reason why a healthy individual at age 70 or 80 cannot improve their appearance with plastic surgery. As long as they are healthy, motivated and have that support system, their results can be excellent," exclaimed Dr. Parker.
At the Parker Center for Plastic Surgery, all New Jersey plastic surgery patients are treated with the highest level of care and respect. All procedures are performed by Dr. Paul M. Parker, at the on-site, state-of-the-art, fully-accredited ambulatory surgical center, Surgiplex. Dr. Paul M. Parker is a board-certified plastic surgeon with twenty years experience.
Contact Parker Center for Plastic Surgery at 201-967-1212 for a free consultation on any plastic surgery procedure. To learn more and see actual patient stories visit the website http://www.parkercenter.net.
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