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Looking Great Over 50

Our skin is the first thing that shows the signs of aging. As we get older and with years of sun exposure, pollution and possible drinking or smoking, the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet, forehead creases, and sagging jowls can give our age away.

Women and men are constantly in search for the perfect anti-aging remedies. Over-the-counter products promise younger looking skin, but increasingly, cosmetic surgery is proving to be a great anti-aging tool and a solution many turn to for a youthful, healthier appearance.

Cosmetic surgery and treatments could help you feel in control of your age. According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), 36% of the almost 12 million cosmetic procedures performed in 2007 were by patients ages 40 and over.

Another way to take care of aging is by maintaining your skin by keeping it healthy throughout life. Staying away from too much sun, avoiding smoking cigarettes and excess alcohol, as well as moisturizing your skin and keeping it cleansed are great ways to take care of your skin. This is not to say that everyone who follows these natural steps will age gracefully. Genetics come in the way for some individuals, who try to defy nature, but never quite succeed.

For these individuals, cosmetic surgery is the best way to bring back youth. However, patients looking to boost their self-esteem or achieve a perfect look could be poor candidates for surgery. A reputable Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will evaluate a patient carefully to find out if they are having cosmetic surgery for the right reasons. “Patients who have realistic expectations of what surgery can achieve for them make good candidates,” said Dr. Vishal Kapoor M.D, a Los Angeles plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Kapoor also assesses patients for health considerations. “I think patients who are healthy and who don’t have any heart or lung problems also have good attributes for plastic surgery. “For a patient over 40 years old, I would personally request a [medical] clearance,” said Dr. Kapoor.

According to American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) statistics, patients over 50 most commonly ask for eyelid surgery, liposuction, rhinoplasty, forehead lifts, and tummy tucks. The most common cosmetic non-surgical procedures are Botox®, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, sclerotherapy and facial fillers. Among these procedures, Botox® remains the top-requested treatment for a temporary fix.

It is unfortunate that our skin loses elasticity, thins and dries as we get older. Cosmetic surgery makes it possible for us to look our absolute best, at any age.