Can a Woman in Her 60s Have a Medial Thigh Lift?

Question

Can women in their sixties, in good health have extensive procedures such as medial thigh lift with excess skin being excised? Are plastic surgeons reluctant to operate on patients in their sixties when procedures are in excess of 3 hours even if patients are in good health?

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question regarding if a woman in her 60s can have a medial thigh lift. The answer is yes if you are in good health. Patients in their eighties can also have procedures like a medial thigh lift or body lift if they are in good health. You must consult with your internist regarding your overall health. Before any plastic surgery is entered, your blood, urine, EKG, and chest X-Ray will be ordered. I will also suggest a cardiac stress test and a carotid duplex for added security. The stress test will evaluate your heart. The carotid duplex will examine your carotid arteries and if there's any risk for plaque break-off or a stroke. No matter your age, you can have these procedures if you are in good health. Perhaps the upper limit should be patients in their nineties. Some plastic surgeons are reluctant to operate on patients based on age. However, most plastic surgeons will operate on older patients as long as they are healthy.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

When evaluating patients for thigh lift surgery, we're far more concerned about biologic age than chronologic age. There are many patients who are biologically much younger than their stated age. These patients have taken good care of themselves by eating right and exercising regularly. Not only are they more healthy, but they seem to be younger at heart. They lead very active lives and have busy schedules. For these reasons, an age of 60 is not necessarily a contraindication to proceeding with surgery.It's obviously important for anyone older than fifty to have a comprehensive medical evaluation before proceeding. This should include a physical examination, EKG and laboratory studies. Clearance from their primary care physician is a requirement. Thigh lift surgery in this group is associated with high satisfaction rates.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

You're still so young! As long as you don't have any other health problems limiting you as to the amount of surgery and anesthesia that you can get, age does not really play a role in deciding whether or not you can have surgery.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

What really matters is any health conditions you may have. I have performed at least 5 body lifts in individuals over the age of 60. Proper medical clearance, and using a facility with the proper level of care is my standard approach to success.

Raj S. Ambay, MD · Answer

Age is not a factor in cosmetic surgery. More important is your current health. 60's are the new 40's so dont be afraid to have procedures. It is important to have a board certified plastic surgeon evaluate you desires and goals. It is alo important to make sure the doctor takes all precautions to maximize your safety before, during and after the surgery.

Can a Woman in Her 60s Have a Medial Thigh Lift?

Answers (5)