According to a blog post from the The American Society for Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery blog, more people are electing to have plastic surgery procedures at later ages. Of course, the success and safety of plastic surgery at later ages depends upon the individual’s overall health.

Here’s a bit from the article:

Americans are living longer than ever. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for Americans is now 78.5 years. And with this increased rate comes new questions concerning lifestyle, fitness and beauty.

“The most noteworthy aspect about all this is not just that people are living longer but living better,” Dr. Gary Kennedy, director of geriatric psychiatry at Montefiore Medical Center, told the New York Times. “At the same time, people are living a longer active lifespan. Seniors are healthier, more active and economically better off than they ever have been.”

The fact that people are living longer may mean more seniors are opting for plastic surgery procedures in order to maintain a youthful appearance. Doctors say that there isn’t a magic number on how old is too old for various cosmetic procedures. Some people choose to improve their appearance in their 70s and 80s, according to KESQ-TV News. However, patients who wish to undergo surgical procedures in which general anesthesia is necessary must get medical clearance first.

Read the full article here: “No Age Limit for Plastic Surgery?”

If you’re older and are considering plastic surgery living in Colorado Springs, be sure to consult with a board-certified Colorado Springs plastic surgeon. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks of your procedure in great detail. In most cases, consultations are provided free of charge.

Dr. Greg Liebscher, of Colorado Springs, is a board-certified and Mayo Clinic-trained plastic surgeon. You can contact Dr. Liebscher’s office to schedule a complimentary and private in-person consultation. Procedures may include facelift, breast augmentation, liposuction, forehead lift, eyelid lift, and more.

» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

Tummy tuck recovery after surgery will take time as the swelling, throbbing and pain dissipates. The pain medication will sooth and relieve the uncomfortable feeling as the healing begins. Bruising may occur which is normal and to be expected. Taking it easy after the tummy tuck surgery will help the healing process with less severity of pain. A list of postoperative instructions for the tummy tuck recovery will advise you about showering, changing the dressings, movements and activity as well as things to be on the alert.

After surgery the abdomen may be tender and bit numb. If at anytime the pain becomes unbearable, consult your doctor as soon as possible. As time heals all wounds, the incisions may begin to itch or become tingly which is normal. Keep an eye on your temperature. If your temperature becomes elevated, this could mean that you may have an infection and your body is giving you a warning sign.

Tips…

When given antibiotics after surgery, during your tummy tuck recovery phase, take all of the antibiotics during the healing process. This will maintain the unlikelihood of any type of infection. Even though you are feeling better, finish the prescription until it is empty.

Elevating your head and shoulders for the first 3 months may be more comfortable. Standing up will be a little difficult for a few days, however getting up from bed is easier when sitting is easier when you roll yourself. Less strain on the stomach muscles will be less painful. It will take a few weeks for the tummy tuck recovery process to subside and feel better. This is to be expected.

Sutures are usually removed within the 5 to 10 day period after surgery depending on the person. For some people it may be 2 weeks until removed. While the sutures are open do not smoke or use nicotine gums or patches, this will interfere with the healing recovery process.

Always consult a physician

If you have questions about tummy tuck recovery, you should consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Greg Liebscher who practices plastic surgery in Colorado Springs.

In this video, Colorado Springs plastic surgeon, Greg Liebscher, MD, FACS, explains tummy tuck and the associated risks and likely outcomes:

About Dr. Greg Liebscher, Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Greg Liebscher is a Mayo Clinic-trained and board-certified Colorado Springs plastic surgeon. Plastic and reconstructive procedures include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, eyelid lift, forehead lift.

» More about: Tummy Tuck

» More about: Gregory J. Liebscher, MD, FACS – Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon

The success and safety of your body plastic surgery procedure (such as liposuction, tummy tuck, reconstructive surgery) depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation.

You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and liefstyle.

» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
» More about procedures for: Body

Be prepared to discuss:

• why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

• evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions and risk factors
• take photographs for your medical record
• discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• discuss likely outcomes of body plastic surgery procedures and any risks or potential complications

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» More about: Dr. Greg Liebscher, ASPS Member Plastic Surgeon
» More about procedures for: Body

[Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons]