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

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.

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.)

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.