Is it safe for a 73 year old woman to have a tummy tuck?

Question

My 73 year old mom is interested in having a tummy tuck. I'm wondering if this is safe for someone her age. She's had 4 children and has a fair amount of excess skin and stretch marks.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is yes if your mother is in other wise good health.  However, it is true that abdominoplasty has a more challenging recovery than most elective surgeries, and with age, even in someone in excellent health, it takes longer to regain your energy with age.I am a little more selective in my patient choice: I would not recommend surgery in somebody who is very over weight or with a fairly sedentary lifestyle, and would be less likely to consider it together with other procedures..  That being said, the procedure can still be very rewarding, and done properly with low risk.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thanks for your question. As long as she feels healthy enough for the procedure, age is not an issue. I recommend taking a stress test prior to procedure. This will tell you whether your heart is healthy enough to undergo procedure. Best wishes, Dr. JSB

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

Yes, if you are healthy and a good candidate for the procedure go for it. I have done patients who are older than you without any problem.

Jonathan Amspacher, MD · Answer

The most important factor determining whether abdominoplasty is a safe procedures is the patient's underlying health conditions and general state of fitness.  The second most important item is making sure the procedure is performed by a board-certified physician in a location that has qualified anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist to administer anesthesia.  You want to make sure that your physician has a good reputation and that the facility is certified by the appropriate organizations.   Many of the horror stories that you hear about plastic surgery are a result of surgery being performed by unqualified individuals in a less than ideal facility.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is possible for your Mom to have a tummy tuck at her age. It is more important that she is in good health than what her chronological age is. She would need to get clearance from her doctor and if she does, she should have no problem. Good luck!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

Age is one of the characteristics used to determine if a patient is a good candidate for surgery.  Medical clearance would address the issues specific for this patient.

Alexander G. Nein, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The exact age of a surgical patient is not as important as their overall health. An active woman with no medical problems can be a better candidate for such a surgical procedure than someone half her age with multiple poorly controlled medical issues. Since this is an elective "unnecessary" procedure, safety is of paramount importance. First make sure that this operation is truly appropriate. Seek the consultation of a plastic surgeon certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery. They have a website listing all the
certified plastic surgeons. Members of the American Society of Aesthetic
Plastic Surgery will all be board certified in plastic surgery and have
demonstrated an interest and competence in cosmetic plastic surgery as well.If her plastic surgeon feels that she would truly benefit from this procedure and her risk is not obviously high then she will most likely be referred to her internist to receive "medical clearance". This means that she will receive the necessary examinations and tests to see if there are any undiagnosed medical problems (heart, lungs, kidneys etc.) that might her an unsuitable surgical risk. If she is cleared then she should do just fine.

Ravinder Jarial, DO · Answer

Greetings.  If your mother is in good health and her weight and body mass index are appropriate, she should have no issues with having a tummy tuck performed.  However, a plastic surgeon would likely request medical clearance because of her age.  The best thing would be to see a plastic surgeon in consultation.  Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Age is absolutely not a contraindication to tummy tuck surgery; assuming she is in good health and a good candidate for the procedure she may have an excellent outcome with the procedure. In my practice, I would ask that she obtain “medical clearance” from the doctors who know her best, prior to proceeding. Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for tummy tuck surgery is one who has completed pregnancies, is psycho socially/emotionally/financially stable, has an excellent social support system surrounding him/her, is capable of arranging enough recovery time, does not smoke and who has reached a long-term stable weight.  You may find the attached link, dedicated to tummy tuck surgery concerns, helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

John A. Kotis, DO, FACS, FACOS · Answer

HiI think it's great that mom is interested in a tummy tuck. Age is not a factor however being in good health is. I would recommend that your mom undergo medical clearance prior to surgery. Good luck

Is it safe for a 73 year old woman to have a tummy tuck?

Answers (15)

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