Mommy makeover - will my age complicate things and make healing more difficult?

Question

I just turned 70yrs. I have Mommy makeover scheduled for March. I'm concerned about healing, pain. My board certified surgeon said I'll be fine. Will my healing time be longer then a younger woman. I'm considering canceling. Afraid of complications

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A healthy 70-year-old may heal well, yet age can reduce physiologic reserve and is associated with higher risks from a long combined operation, including blood clots, cardiopulmonary events, delayed wound healing, and medication-related problems. The exact risk depends heavily on which procedures are combined, expected operating time, medical conditions, fitness, nutrition, nicotine use, weight, prior clots, and the facility’s resources. Healing may be slower, but it is not predictably prolonged in every older patient.

Before proceeding, have formal medical and anesthesia clearance with a medication review, appropriate laboratory testing and ECG, and any additional cardiac evaluation indicated by your history. Ask your surgeon for the estimated duration, individualized clot-risk score and prevention plan, pain-control strategy, overnight monitoring plan, and whether staging the procedures would reduce risk. Surgery should be in an accredited facility with a qualified anesthesia team. You do not need to cancel solely because of age, but postponing or obtaining a second opinion is reasonable if the risk discussion has not made you comfortable.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Trustworthy952857,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!
If you are healthy you should do fine. Follow your pre/post up care instructions and reach out to your surgeon with any questions or concerns. Best wishes!

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Your general health is a bigger factor than your age. Each patient has their own tolerance for discomfort, so you may actually have a higher tolerance than a younger patient. However, if you are concerned it would be best to speak with your surgeon. A positive mindset going into surgery has been found to improve the experience, therefore if you are very worried you may want to reconsider.

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

@Trustworthy952857. Thank you for your question. If you are healthy and have undergone appropriate screening you should heal in a similar timeline to younger patients. However, as we age it can be more difficult to return to baseline activity and recover from anesthesia following surgery. I would recommend discussing your concerns with your surgeon.

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. You should have another in-person discussion with your surgeon to address your concerns. You should be medically optimized regarding every other aspect of your health. Also, you could separate the procedures and do one at a time.
I wish you the best. 
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Francesco Campanile, MD · Answer

Chronological age alone does not determine whether you are a good candidate for a mommy makeover. What matters far more is your overall health, weight stability and lifestyle factors such as smoking status and activity level.

Many healthy women in their 40s and 50s undergo mommy makeover procedures with excellent outcomes and smooth recoveries. Healing capacity is influenced more by medical conditions (such as diabetes or autoimmune disorders), nutritional status and adherence to postoperative instructions than by age itself.

A thorough preoperative evaluation allows us to assess risk factors and tailor a surgical plan that prioritizes safety. When performed thoughtfully on an appropriately selected patient, a mommy makeover can be performed safely at a wide range of ages.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I have performed Mommy Makeovers on women who were a broad range of ages.  If you are in general good health and a candidate for the procedures you can certainly have a Mommy Makeover and enjoy all of the benefits.  If you closely follow your surgeon's instructions there wouldn't be an anticipation of increased risk of complications in healing.  I've included a video on this topic that I hope you find helpful.

Mommy makeover - will my age complicate things and make healing more difficult?

Answers (8)

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