Is it normal for someone over 80yo to have arm lift?

Question

Is general anesthesia safe in this case ?

Kristopher Hamwi, MD · Answer

This depends on your health and medical conditions. It also depends on how big of a procedure is being preformed and what kind of anesthesia will be needed. In general twilight sedation may be a safer option than general anesthesia but the best person to evaluate you for that is your surgeon and his anesthesia team.

Jose Telich, MD · Answer

Dear cauliflowerisaflower, thank you for sharing such an interesting question.

Aesthetic surgery, including arm lifts, can be performed on patients over 80, but the decision is highly individualized based on health status, medical history, and the patient's overall well-being.

Regarding general anesthesia, safety considerations increase with age. While it can be safely administered, the risks are higher, including potential complications like postoperative cognitive dysfunction, cardiac issues, or respiratory problems. A thorough preoperative evaluation by both the surgeon and anesthesiologist is essential to assess your suitability for surgery and to determine if general anesthesia or alternatives like local anesthesia with sedation might be safer. It's crucial to discuss these aspects in detail with your healthcare team to weigh the benefits against the potential risks.

Andrei Rios, MD · Answer

Before you commit to any surgery, make sure that your doctor performs a thorough evaluation, asks for tests (blood tests, cardiological clearance, etc). I've seen people over 65-70 years old as healthy or more than younger patients who are overweight or smoke/drink heavily, so age is just an indicator. Having said that, for example, most of my patients are under 60 y/o, but that's because they come from abroad, and we can't do a thorough in person evaluation before surgery and the follow up is not ideal. I'd recommend you find a local surgeon who can evaluate your case and tell you if you're a good candidate for surgery.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. The risk of surgery and anesthesia typically has less to do with chronological age and more with how your health is. While it is a part of weighing the risks vs. benefits, there are many variables. This operation carries scars. Each plastic surgeon may approach this differently. Also each patient is different. Best to see a board certified plastic surgeon. They will evaluate you and together you will make a plan for your goals.

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions regarding the normalcy of undergoing an arm lift at over 80 years old and the safety of general anesthesia for your age group.
Plastic surgery among elderly patients is increasingly common, making it more "normal" for individuals in their 80s and beyond to opt for elective procedures like arm lifts. As for the safety of general anesthesia in your case, it is often necessary for an arm lift, mainly because using a large volume of local anesthetic could be toxic. Therefore, general anesthesia is generally the preferred option.
To ensure the safe administration of general anesthesia for patients over 80, preoperative medical tests are crucial. These typically include blood work, an electrocardiogram (EKG), chest X-ray, and urinalysis. Many plastic surgeons also recommend a carotid duplex to examine the neck vessels and a stress test. If these tests yield normal results, it suggests a lower risk compared to someone with abnormal findings.
In summary, if you are over 80 and in good health, undergoing an arm lift under general anesthesia is not uncommon and can be safely considered. Good luck, and I hope I have adequately addressed your concerns about arm lift surgery at your age and the safety of general anesthesia for patients over 80 years old.
Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Ira H. Rex III, MD · Answer

If the 80-year-old person is healthy, it seems there is no problem to proceed with lift.ultimately, this would be the decision of each plastic surgeon.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your age is not as important as your physiologic age. If you are very vital, healthy, active and over 80 you should be able to have an arm lift surgery done without any issues. I would always recommend that you have your medical clearance done by your primary care physician, as they know you best. An arm lift is simply skin and subcutaneous tissue removal and as long as you’re not a smoker, diabetic, or have any other issues, your healing should not be an issue. General anesthesia is very safe in the year 2024.  Best wishes.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

As long as you are a good candidate for arm lift and no medical issues, should be able to have arm lift. In my experience, have treated many patients of all age ranges with excellent results.

An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon is recommended to discuss your options and expectations. Medical clearance can be discussed as well.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Yes, it's possible for someone over 80 years old to have an arm lift (brachioplasty) if they are in good health and the procedure has been deemed safe by their doctor. The suitability of the surgery depends more on the individual's overall health, skin condition, and their ability to recover from surgery rather than just their age.
Factors to Consider:
1.	Health Assessment: A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to ensure that there are no significant health risks, such as heart or lung conditions, that might complicate surgery or recovery.
2.	Realistic Expectations: Older patients should have realistic expectations about the results and understand the potential risks and benefits.
3.	Skin Elasticity: Skin quality and elasticity may impact the outcome of the procedure, as older adults often have thinner and more fragile skin.
4.	Post-Surgical Recovery: Healing may take longer in older adults, and they may require additional support during the recovery period.
If an older patient is considering an arm lift, a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in treating older patients is essential. The surgeon will evaluate their health and goals to determine if the procedure is a good fit.

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

An arm lift can be completed at any age, provided the patient is in good health.  If you are in good health, it is worth going in for a consult.  A surgeon will go over your health with you at a consult and let you know if there are serious concerns about you having an anesthetic or healing well from the surgery.
All the best to you,
Dr. Nancy de Kleer