Dear sweetpolly, 53 is a relatively young age. As long as you are healthy and your internist is clearing your for surgery after performing the 'physical' on you, there is no reason to prevent you from having tummy tuck surgery. In my 28 years of plastic surgery practice, I performed hundreds of tummy tuck surgery on patients over the age of 50. My oldest patients was 78 and she did fine. So, rest assured, but do your due diligence and choose wisely. Always consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive. Best of luck, Dr Widder