Facelift: Q&A
Ask a QuestionHow Old is Too Old for a Facelift Plastic Surgeon?
I had large scale liposuction and upper eyelid surgery 13 years ago from a board-certified plastic surgeon. I got great results and had no complications. Now, I'm ready for a facelift. I would love to use the same surgeon, rather than shopping around and trying to figure out who I should trust and have confidence in. However, the surgeon is now in his late '60s. How much manual dexterity and stamina is involved in a facelift? Would it be better to use a slightly younger surgeon?
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20 Doctor Answers |
Asked by
Doberman
in Los Angeles
+3
It all depends on the surgeon
First of all, even though you were happy with your liposuction, please realize that a facelift is a much more challenging and artistic procedure. Make sure your doctor is good at it and look at lots of RECENT patient photos, not just the best ones from 20 years ago. Finally, some people age better than others and late 60's isn't too old to be in excellent operating condition.
+2
Look at recent before and after photos
A surgeon in his late 60s is not too old to be your surgeon. The important factor to recognize is whether or not the surgeon has kept up with modern surgical techniques. There is a lot of manual dexterity and stamina required for a facelift, which lasts three hours. Ask to see many of his recent before-and-after photos of previous patients to determine how up-to-date his surgical techniques are.
+2
Experience is a great teacher.
Experience and trust are 2 of the most important things for you to consider. If your previous surgeon has the experience with facelifting, then he is probably the perfect fit for you. You can determine this by asking. I am in my 60’s and believe I am getting the best results I have ever gotten. This is because experience is a great teacher. Each of us learned a technique that was adequate and got good results. However, we are constantly learning and improving what we do by listening to...
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Highlands Plastic Surgeon
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+2
The quality of his work should determine if he is the right surgeon for you.
Actually most of us get better results the longer we operate. Experience is a most powerful and wonderful teacher. I am in my sixtes and am getting the best results of my career and can predict the outcome much better then ever. While certainly age has a bearing on health and dexterity, I don't think there is a specific age that is the limit. Each surgeon is different. Some wear out in their 40s and 50s because of genetics while others are doing great work into their 70s, Meet with your...
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+2
Younger is not necessarily better.
Dear Doberman
I work with many older plastic surgeons who are still going strong.
However, you do have to ask yourself if you will get the latest type of face lift or if you will get the same type of facelift this doctor was performing in the early eighties with big scars around the ears, loss of hair in the temple, over pulled jaw line.
Studies you doctor's website. Get a sense of his before and after photos and the type of face lifts he performs. Many of us perform great facelifts here...
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+2
Experience only comes with time in the O.R.
Of course, I am biased that age and experience is a major advantage because I am still operating after 30+ years of Board Certification in Plastic Surgery.
The time has given me the resources to build an exceptional infrastructure including experienced staff, approved in house O.R.; a multitude of operative and non operative lasers, etc.
It is not the age, but the individual that counts.
You had a favorable experience last time so I would certainly recommend that you return to check him out...
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+1
Late 60's too old?
That is a prickly question and needs to be handled with care. there is no right answer but i will say as I have gotten more experienced my surgical times have decreased and results are better than ever. you must remember that dexterity and stamina are much, much, much, less important than skill, experience and surgical judgement. however, if he looks like a hundred, is forgetful and can't hear what you say, reconsider.
Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1
Judging the Best Age for a Facelift Surgeon
Facelift procedures require superlative surgical judgement, mature aesthetic sense, and seasoned experience with different facelift techniques. The age of the surgeon, in my opinion, is not relevant, unless the surgeon has not performed enough facelifts to confidently display his results. Older plastic surgeons have the advantage of seeing what has worked well, and gone by the wayside, but must be current enough as not to just be performing a technique just because they are...
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+1
Age is sometimes just a number
I would have no problem returning to a surgeon in his late 60s for surgery. He is older and wiser now, and should be able to deliver a nice result. Do see hiim and a couple of others as well, though, so you can be sure of your comfort level.
+1
Facelift.....Older vs. Younger
Doberman,
Good question. Plastic surgeons have different expertise in different areas. Results may vary dramatically. When I personally recieve great service at the grocery, cleaners, etc., I always go back. I feel like surgeons "hit their stride" in their mid-forties. But age is only a number. Go with your gut. If your surgeon impressed you with his work in the past, my instinct would be to trust him in the future. ...
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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