Is body lift surgery too big surgery for someone over 70 years old?

The most important details for safety with surgery is your health -and not your age. These surgeries are not really stressful to your heart so it really depends on really your overall health. Definitely get a medical evaluation "clearance" for surgery from your primary physician. In our office, that "clearance" anesthesia requires of everyone over age 40. Best Wishes!!

Dear cauliflowerisaflower,

Age, in itself, isn't the sole determining factor when considering suitability for a body lift or any surgical procedure. It's more about the individual's overall health, vitality, and specific medical conditions. I've performed many body lifts on patients in their late 60s and even into their early 70s. The outcomes have been positive, and the patients have been satisfied with their results.

The key is to ensure that the patient is in good health and has the physiological age that can withstand the procedure and the anesthesia. Pre-operative evaluations, including a thorough medical assessment, cardiac workup, and other relevant tests, can provide insights into how a patient might handle surgery and the subsequent recovery.

There isn't a strict age limit for undergoing procedures with general anesthesia. Instead, the focus should be on the individual's cardiac health, lung function, and overall medical status.

If you're considering a body lift or any other surgical procedure, it's essential to have a detailed consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. They can assess your specific situation, collaborate with other medical specialists if necessary, and provide guidance on the best course of action tailored to your needs and health status.

In summary, it's not so much about the number of years you've lived, but rather the state of your health that plays a pivotal role in determining surgical candidacy.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

The age is not critical factor but the medical health is. You will need to be cleared by your family doctor or internal medicine. If you have any cardiac issues then you will have to be cleared by your cardiologist as well. The body lift can be done in 2 stages: the lower body can be done in about 2-3 hours and then the upper body lift can be done in 2-3 hours.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.