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.

Thank you for your query. If you are in otherwise good health, body lifts can be done at your age with acceptable risks, but in multiple sessions. I do skin excisions and contouring of the anterior part of the stomach in the first setting, for instance, and do the back a few weeks later. I do not combine procedures to keep the recovery safe and comfortable. Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

If you are healthy, a non-smoker, not diabetic, at or near your ideal body weight, and there is only loose skin to remove, there should be a very low risk to you. You would need to get clearance from your primary care doctor, an electrocardiogram, and some blood work to be sure these are all within normal limits. It is important to be at, or near your ideal body weight, as the higher the BMI of patients, the higher the complication rate. Have a detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon about what is the best option for you. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question! In short, in my practice there is no one number "age limit". In my experience, many patients may be 70 years "young" and are actually in great shape/fitness with little or no medical co-morbidities. Yes, the opposite may be true, in that some patients may be 70 years "old" with multiple medical issues and in a general poorer state of health to undergo a length elective surgery. The real answer is that every surgeon will guide their patient through this process and use different measures of "risk stratification" to assess proper candidacy for body contouring surgery. An in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon will give you a much more tailored and personal answer for your specific case!

I have performed in 70 YO patients before. Safety research recommends no longer than 2-3 hour surgery time, no extensive liposuction, no super tight muscle repair, no combination of different body areas.
We never use General anesthesia for any surgery, we use safely regional (peridural anesthesia) and sedation for body procedures and sedation and local anesthesia for facial surgery, only in hospitals never outpatient facilities.
So it IS possible to do a LBL in you but you must be in the correct hands. Board Certified PS, expert on LBL.
Also you must get prepared for surgery: physically doing exercise every day 4-5 times a week, nutritionally and mentally.
Be encouraged!!
Dr. Cárdenas

Dear cauliflowerisaflower,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are healthy, then your age is not a contraindication for surgery. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Surgery decisions depend on individual health and medical history. Age alone isn't the only factor. It's best to consult with a qualified surgeon who can assess your overall health and determine if you're a suitable candidate for these procedures. They will consider various factors to ensure your safety during surgery and anesthesia.

Best of luck !

If you are in good health and a good candidate for the procedure you still can be considered for a body lift. Your board certified plastic surgeon may require medical clearance or certain preoperative tests or labs to ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.