Cosmetic surgery has significantly increased in popularity over the past decade. The number of patients, both male and female, opting to go under the knife has risen dramatically due to pressures of social media and the increase in acceptance towards cosmetic procedures.
However, not all patients actually need cosmetic surgery, and many are left confused over whether now is the right time to go under the knife. Many patients worry they are too old, while a lot of younger people are opting to have anti-ageing treatments they don’t need. So, is there a right age to have cosmetic surgery?
Guidelines for anti-ageing cosmetic surgery
Anti-ageing procedures such as a facelift, eye bag removal or brow lift are some of the most common procedures carried out. However, there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding when these types of procedures should be carried out.
In terms of an upper age limit, if you’re fit and well and have realistic expectations of what the final outcome will be, then excellent results can be achieved for women in their 60s or even 70s.
Women in their 30s typically do not require a facelift or other anti-ageing cosmetic surgery, but there are non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments, such as Botox and dermal fillers, that can help preserve a more youthful appearance for longer. Interestingly, women in their 40s will often get a better, longer-lasting result than patients who delay surgery until later as the skin is more elastic.
Body contouring surgery guidelines
Cosmetic breast surgery procedures such as the breast augmentation or breast lift are very popular with women of all ages. It’s true that breast augmentation is popular with younger women who may have always been dissatisfied with their breast development, but older women who have seen changes to their breast shape and volume due to the ageing process or pregnancy are often keen to have a discreet enhancement later on.
Breast lift patients tend to be older, as the sagging of skin and breast tissues usually happens over time, but we also see younger women who have experienced extreme weight fluctuations that wish to lift and reshape their breasts once they have achieved a stable body weight.
A tummy tuck, on the other hand, would be best carried out at age 35 and over. This is because the procedure is best suited to those who aren’t looking to have any children in the future as this can further stretch the abdominal muscles and skin.
Cosmetic surgery timing: what about non-invasive procedures?
Non-invasive procedures, such as Botox and lip fillers, have become extremely popular in recent years. They have particularly attracted a young target audience, with patients in their 20s opting to have these facial enhancements in an effort to emulate their idols on social media who now speak openly about undergoing these treatments.
The trouble is, these types of treatments are best suited to those in their 30s or 40s. Patients in their 20s show very few signs of ageing, so the treatments are purely unnecessary. They may seem like ideal, fast procedures, but they do have a range of risks and complications. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid having any procedures until you absolutely need them.
While there is no set age as to when you should consider going under the knife, the above are just some of the guidelines you should follow before having a procedure. If you’re still not sure whether you are at the right age to undergo cosmetic surgery, book a consultation with an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon. Mr Nigel Horlock will always offer unbiased, expert advice on whether a cosmetic surgery procedure is the right choice for you at this time.
