What is your opinion on an older plastic surgeon? I'm consulting with a well-known, experienced plastic surgeon in a major metropolitan area with a vibrant personality and an excellent reputation. But, he is over 80. I feel ageist asking but I also feel like it isn't unreasonable to wonder if I should trust my facelift to a surgeon over 80. I mean... shouldn't he be running for president instead? :) JK- I'm looking for an honest, serious response.
Answer: Age of a Surgeon Physiological age and chronologic age can be different in Surgeons; I have seen some Surgeons in their 50's in terrible shape and much older Surgeons at their prime. We have all seen Surgeons perform very well into their late 70's, and it is possible that your Surgeon is in great shape. This isn't an easily answered question by outsiders and best to discuss with the Surgeon you are seeing.
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Answer: Age of a Surgeon Physiological age and chronologic age can be different in Surgeons; I have seen some Surgeons in their 50's in terrible shape and much older Surgeons at their prime. We have all seen Surgeons perform very well into their late 70's, and it is possible that your Surgeon is in great shape. This isn't an easily answered question by outsiders and best to discuss with the Surgeon you are seeing.
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November 7, 2023
Answer: Surgeon There are many excellent surgeons who still practice and are in their 70's to 80's. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge that younger surgeons do not yet have. Ask to see his photos, especially more recent ones. If you like what you see and hear, go with him.
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November 7, 2023
Answer: Surgeon There are many excellent surgeons who still practice and are in their 70's to 80's. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge that younger surgeons do not yet have. Ask to see his photos, especially more recent ones. If you like what you see and hear, go with him.
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October 26, 2023
Answer: Surgeon Age I completely appreciate your concerns. When choosing a plastic surgeon for something as important as a Facelift, experience should be a key factor and obviously someone his age has this experience. I would try to check on his recent reputation, because 80 is a bit old to still be operating, but Certainly not out of the question. Try to find out if he has a younger associate assisting him in the operating room, which is not a bad thing. You also can seek out a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon in our area. I practice in the New York City area, and I know of several plastic surgeons around that age that are still operating and are still excellent. If it is one of those surgeons, you are in good hands.
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October 26, 2023
Answer: Surgeon Age I completely appreciate your concerns. When choosing a plastic surgeon for something as important as a Facelift, experience should be a key factor and obviously someone his age has this experience. I would try to check on his recent reputation, because 80 is a bit old to still be operating, but Certainly not out of the question. Try to find out if he has a younger associate assisting him in the operating room, which is not a bad thing. You also can seek out a second opinion from another board-certified plastic surgeon in our area. I practice in the New York City area, and I know of several plastic surgeons around that age that are still operating and are still excellent. If it is one of those surgeons, you are in good hands.
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Depends Your answer really depends on the doctor. I've known doctors with active minds and high energy levels at that age. Given his experience, It is possible for him to produce results equivalent to or better than peers half his age. But it also depends on his hands and manual dexterity, which you have really no way to gauge. In other words, you're the best judge because you have first-hand experience with him. Age is a consideration but only one part of your consideration. Best of luck in your decision.
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Depends Your answer really depends on the doctor. I've known doctors with active minds and high energy levels at that age. Given his experience, It is possible for him to produce results equivalent to or better than peers half his age. But it also depends on his hands and manual dexterity, which you have really no way to gauge. In other words, you're the best judge because you have first-hand experience with him. Age is a consideration but only one part of your consideration. Best of luck in your decision.
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Surgeon's Age Hello, hope you are well. I've personally known and observed plenty of surgeons that perform very well into their 70s (much rarer to encounter surgeons still practicing into their 80s, but I don't doubt there are exceptional individuals out there). I've also observed surgeons operating beyond when they should have retired. Your question is legitimate because we can't pretend like age doesn't matter--at some point it simply becomes a safety and quality issue for every surgeon. (This is why commercial airline pilots have forced retirement at age 65). In medicine, there is no age cut-off or requirements for testing cognitive or physical capabilities imposed by state agencies to maintain a license. Therefore, it is left up to the surgeon's personal accountability to retire or curtail surgical practice when necessary due to age (decline in physical stamina, coordination, cognition, dexterity, etc). That hasn't happened, so this surgeon clearly trusts himself--but do you trust him? From a practical point of view, you must feel comfortable with your surgeon, and once a significant age bias is established it may never go away regardless of whatever evidence of skill and competency you are presented with. That is not a good foundation for a serious doctor-patient relationship. You could ask to speak with a recent facelift patient as a reference, and look at recent before-and-after photos, or put your doubts to rest by finding a younger surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 25, 2023
Answer: Surgeon's Age Hello, hope you are well. I've personally known and observed plenty of surgeons that perform very well into their 70s (much rarer to encounter surgeons still practicing into their 80s, but I don't doubt there are exceptional individuals out there). I've also observed surgeons operating beyond when they should have retired. Your question is legitimate because we can't pretend like age doesn't matter--at some point it simply becomes a safety and quality issue for every surgeon. (This is why commercial airline pilots have forced retirement at age 65). In medicine, there is no age cut-off or requirements for testing cognitive or physical capabilities imposed by state agencies to maintain a license. Therefore, it is left up to the surgeon's personal accountability to retire or curtail surgical practice when necessary due to age (decline in physical stamina, coordination, cognition, dexterity, etc). That hasn't happened, so this surgeon clearly trusts himself--but do you trust him? From a practical point of view, you must feel comfortable with your surgeon, and once a significant age bias is established it may never go away regardless of whatever evidence of skill and competency you are presented with. That is not a good foundation for a serious doctor-patient relationship. You could ask to speak with a recent facelift patient as a reference, and look at recent before-and-after photos, or put your doubts to rest by finding a younger surgeon.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
