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.
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.
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October 25, 2023
Answer: Facelift I have known many plastic surgeons working quite late in their years. Every surgeon I knew may have been older but they were still at the top of their game. I can’t speak to your particular situation but being a surgeon at 80 is not a deal breaker
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 25, 2023
Answer: Facelift I have known many plastic surgeons working quite late in their years. Every surgeon I knew may have been older but they were still at the top of their game. I can’t speak to your particular situation but being a surgeon at 80 is not a deal breaker
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
