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Is It Safe to Be Operated by an 88 Year Old Plastic Surgeon?

asked 1 year ago by alonaxis in Israel
Latest answer by Phillip Langsdon, MD
Question viewed 468 times
Tags: plastic surgeon, safety

I know it's a difficult question with many parameters... The surgeon is one of the most experienced in my country, with the richest background... about 20,000 rhinoplasty surgeries in his repertoire. I know that experience is one of the most valuable aspect for a plastic surgeon to have. Would you choose a younger less experienced surgeon? Could such an age be a problem? Thanks you, Alon

15 answers to Is It Safe to Be Operated by an 88 Year Old Plastic Surgeon?

+2

Safety of rhinoplasty with an 88 year old surgeon.

Meet with his patients that he has done in the last year or two and if you like what you see, then it should be ok. The question isn't how many, but how good!
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+2

Experienced rhinoplasty surgeon

Great question, and you have to come up with the answer yourself.  I find it interesting that a surgeon would still be in practice at that age, but if he has the skill, dexterity and mental clarity to continue to operate, then I don't see anything wrong with going for it.  He is certainly experienced!
Carey Nease, MD

Chattanooga Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

88 year old surgeon

Never had this question posed before.  But, If the surgeon has steady hands and does nice work, I suppose the proof  is in the pudding! 
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

Is It Safe to Be Operated by an 88 Year Old Plastic Surgeon?

Regarding: "Is It Safe to Be Operated by an 88 Year Old Plastic Surgeon? I know it's a difficult question with many parameters... The surgeon is one of the most experienced in my country, with the richest background... about 20,000 rhinoplasty surgeries in his repertoire. I know that experience is one of the most valuable aspect for a plastic surgeon to have. Would you choose a younger less experienced surgeon? Could such an age be a problem? Thanks you" There is NO... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+2

Is it Safe to be Operated on by an 88 Year Old Surgeon?

Shalom Alonaxis, Is it safe to be operated on by an 88 year old plastic surgeon....I guess so... if he lives through the operation.  Kidding aside, I don't think that I would want an 88 year pilot flying my jet, let alone operating upon me or my family.  I would think that you may want to see if you can find a younger rhinoplasty surgeon, say someone under 86.  Good luck and be well. Dr. P
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

See recent results

If the doctor appears mentally alert and in good physical condition he might be fine. Also, check with some recent patients. As science improves health and longevity we may see more doctors in that age category doing excellent work. But, I would do my research.
Phillip Langsdon, MD

Germantown Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is a Surgeon's Age a Factor?

Alon, That is a great and very appropriate question but also a difficult one to answer. It is a known fact that with “advancing age“ a person’s mental and physical abilities start to decline. It is also a fact that “advancing age” starts at different times for different individuals. Individuals should be aware of it when their mental and physical decline starts. As for physicians, whose primary concern should be the well being of their patients, it... more
Jack P. Gunter, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.rhinoplasty-usa.com

+1

Surgery by an 88 Year Old Plastic Surgeon

When you consult with the surgeon see if he is mentally alert and physically stable. Determine if he is on the staff of local  hospitals and a member of the faculty of the nearest medical school. Look at the results of his rhinoplasty patients over the last couple years.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Plastic Surgeon Age - Is there too Old?

As other plastic surgeons stated, chronological age is just a number & his experience is invaluable. Meet with the surgeon and allow him to perform a comprehensive evaluation. Ask him rhinoplasty questions as you would any other facial surgeon. Only then can you make a better decision if he is the right rhinoplasty surgeon for you. Best of luck.
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Age is just a number

Meet the surgeon & his recent patients before deciding.Chronological age is just a number & it is the physiological age which matters.
Anup Dhir, MD

India Plastic Surgeon
+1

Is age a factor?

This is a difficult question to answer, and the decision is ultimately up to you. There are certainly some surgeons who retain their skills for a longer period of time. When I was in my training, one of the attending surgeons was in his 80s. He was still a great surgeon. I think for you, it would be wise to ask to see some recent before and after photos from patients. Maybe you could even ask to speak to some recent patients as well. This will likely help you make this very... more
Ryan Greene, MD, PhD

Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is hard to judge a book by its cover

I have never met a surgeon still operating at 88 years old.  Experience is invaluable.  If you have had a consultation with this surgeon, and felt that he appeared physically and mentally able, you are in a better position that any of us to answer that question.  In the Silicon Valley area in California where I practice, there are many excellent surgeons that I would trust to do rhinoplasty and none of them are 88 years old.  I am sure you have many excellent choices... more
Daryl K. Hoffman, MD

Los Gatos Plastic Surgeon
+1

Age of the Surgeon

This is a very difficult question to answer because your Surgeon has clearly had a great deal of experience and experience commands respect.  On the other hand, I don't think I have ever met a Surgeon who continued to operate beyond his late 70's.  Typically, most Surgeons reach a point at which  no longer feel comfortable in the operating room.  Your Surgeon may still be very capable and energetic; if he is, he has certainly broken the mold. I do think that a... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+1

How Old is Too Old?

This is a hard question to answer, since each surgeon looses their ability to operate safely and accurately at varying ages. For some it might be 70, while others it might be 75. I have to say that 88 is pretty old, but I you have recent patients of his that you can talk with, and they have had positive experiences, then he may be right for you. I hope this helps.
Christopher V. Pelletiere, MD

Barrington Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sometimes age is just a number

I understand your concerns.  88 can be quite old--or it could be like the new 65 these days.  I think the easiest way to settle the matter in your mind would be to ask to speak with RECENT patients of this surgeon.  Talk to his patients who have had rhinoplasty in the past 6 months, for instance.  You might also get a "feel" from the staff in the office.  Sometimes their attitudes and demeanor show what they really think, but can't say. more
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

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