Is rhinoplasty at 66 years old risky?

My rhinoplasty teacher taught me many years ago the youthful effect of rhinoplasty surgery. As long as you were in good health, and as long as you clearly understand what to expect, I wish you the best moving forward! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Hello,
Rhinoplasty at 66 years old can be performed safely, but it does come with considerations and potential risks that are more pronounced in older adults. Here are some key factors to consider:

Age-Related Considerations:
Skin Elasticity: As skin ages, it loses elasticity and may not bounce back as well as in younger individuals. This can affect the healing process and final results of the surgery.

Healing and Recovery: Older patients might experience slower healing and recovery times. It's important to follow post-operative care instructions closely to minimize complications and ensure optimal results.

General Health: The overall health of the patient is a crucial factor. Older adults are more likely to have underlying health conditions that could impact surgery and recovery. A thorough pre-operative evaluation is essential to assess any risks related to your health.

Anesthesia Risks: Older individuals may have increased risks associated with anesthesia. A comprehensive pre-anesthetic assessment is important to identify any potential issues.

Expectations and Outcomes: It's essential to have realistic expectations. Aging can affect not only skin quality but also the underlying bone and cartilage, which can impact surgical outcomes.

Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Care:
Consultation: Have a detailed consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in performing rhinoplasty on older adults. They can evaluate your specific case, discuss your goals, and determine if you're a good candidate for the procedure.

Medical Evaluation: Ensure a thorough medical evaluation to identify and manage any underlying health conditions that might affect the surgery.

Post-Operative Care: Adhere to all post-operative care instructions, including follow-up visits, to monitor healing and address any issues promptly.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Be prepared for a potentially longer recovery period and take steps to accommodate your body’s healing process.

In summary, while rhinoplasty at 66 is feasible, it requires careful consideration of your overall health and the specific challenges associated with aging. Working closely with a skilled surgeon and following their guidance can help ensure a safe procedure and satisfactory results.

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can understand from your question no risk for the operation unless you have a serious illness.
If you can provide photos with better lighting, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation.
It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best regards!

Not necessarily. Rhinoplasties are performed under general anesthesia, and the risks of anesthesia are correlated with any medical comorbidities that you may have (i.e high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, etc). You can always go to your primary care provider and have them give a "preoperative risk stratification" based on their assessment and on labs/EKGs, and they can discuss with you the significance of those findings.
Hope this helps!

As long as you're an excellent health, you can certainly undergo a rhinoplasty procedure at age 66. Your age doesn't dictate the cosmetic results. Choose your surgeon wisely based on extensive experience producing natural results.

There’s nothing inherently wrong about having cosmetic surgery at age 68. Your plastic surgeon may want you to get medical clearance from your primary care doctor especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
I suggest having a few in person consultations with plastic surgeons in your community who have proven track record with rhinoplasty surgery.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD