Multiple procedures at age 72 and feeling really apprehensive. Should I be putting my old body through this just for vanity?

Question

I am 72 years old, 5/3", 121 lbs In good health, not sedentary, but no regular exercise schedule. A recent MRI revealed rupture of one of my silicone implants. The initial implant surgery was 14 years ago. It went very smoothly and I had an easy recovery. I suspect the rupture was caused by a biopsy and was not in anyway the fault of the PS. I was very pleased with my result and liked the PS who did the initial surgery in every way, so I returned to him for correction of the rupture. He is going to replace both implants and do a partial capsulectomy on the one with the rupture. But I am also scheduled for liposuction of the sides, lower back and lower abdomen, as well as a tummy tuck. Trying unsuccessfully to lose weight. My surgery is in just two days and I am feeling really apprehensive. Am I nuts to be adding the lipo and tummy tuck to the needed implant revision? I realize I would be forfeiting the money I have paid for those procedures, but I am so scared I am contemplating doing just that. Should I be putting my old body through this just for vanity?

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

If you are generally healthy and have medical clearance, you should be able to have the procedures that are scheduled.  Of the areas planned, the tummy tuck comes with the greatest period of recovery that may or may not be worth it to you.  I encourage you to think about what you are hoping to accomplish from these procedures.  They are designed to help you feel comfortable and confident in your body.  If you are excited about the outcomes and are prepared for a period of recovery then it sounds like you are prepared for surgery.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding whether it’s worth the risk at age 72 to undergo elective tummy tuck and liposuction In addition to the required removal and replacement of breast implants. In my opinion, if you are medically healthy and your internist believes that you can withstand the surgery and recovery, you can undergo these procedures. It is also very important for your plastic surgeon to feel confident performing these procedures. Restrictions on procedures are not done by your chronological age. They are done by your medical health. I have had many healthy older patients who have completed successful plastic surgery with me. On the contrary, I have had many unhealthy young patients to whom I have denied plastic surgery because of their poor health. Therefore, your access to plastic surgery is based on your health, not your age. In my opinion, I would definitely undergo the removal and replacement of bilateral implants and associated capsulectomy. If you, your plastic surgeon, and your internist are confident that you see healthy to undergo elective associated procedures, go for it. I wish you the best of luck.

Sincerely, Dr. Katzen. (“Verified” Plastic Surgeon, President of the American Society of Bariatric Plastic Surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Fellow of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American College of Surgery, and International College of Surgery, and member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and RealSelf Hall of Fame.)

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As long as you obtain medical clearance and are healthy, being 72 should not deter you from having multiple surgeries. Your surgical procedures should not exceed 6 hours of being under general anesthesia. Your surgeon has operated on you in the past and knows you recuperated well; I would not worry.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Jacinto,
I understand your concern. It is best however that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine whether you can have several aesthetic surgeries in one session, as this would depend on various factors including but not limited to your general health condition, the type of anesthesia that will be used, and the type of surgeries that will be performed among others.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

A full tummy tuck if that is what you’re having is a pretty invasive and stressful procedure.

The alternative is if the tummy tuck is done without muscle tightening which is sometimes not indicated and that makes the procedure much easier to recover from.

Age typically lowers peoples candidacy for Liposuction results because the loss A skinny last city behaves like skin laxity and loose skin can contribute significantly to contour and often be perceived as being a fat problem.

Without posting pictures we can’t really even begin to make an assessment but having a strong rapport with a plastic surgeon your trust is a big step in the right direction.  so is having had an in person consultation.

Maybe you should contact your plastic surgeon and ask if what you’re doing may be a little much or if there’s a few things that could be taken off the schedule.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

Multiple procedures at age 72 and feeling really apprehensive. Should I be putting my old body through this just for vanity?

Answers (6)

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Questioning surgery

Answer: Questioning surgery

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Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Multiple procedures at age 72 and feeling really apprehensive. Should I be putting my old body through this just for vanity?

Answers (6)

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Combination of procedures

Answer: Questioning surgery

Answer: Questioning surgery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.