If you’re considering changing or improving your appearance, age can be a big factor in how your body will respond to the changes.
When it comes to plastic surgery, don’t let social norms dictate when you have this type of procedure done. The best age for having plastic surgery is when you are ready and feel good about the results.
Younger patients may want to correct genetic flaws or delay the signs of aging. Older patients may have more extensive procedures to improve their overall appearances, such as facelifts and breast implants.
The best age for plastic surgery is different for everyone. It just depends on your body type, your genetics, what you’re looking to achieve with the procedure(s), and your willingness to undergo anesthesia.
What is the average age of the most common procedures?
The average age for plastic surgery is on the rise. According to a survey by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, people are getting cosmetic procedures later in life. In 2015, the average patient was 49 years old.
Here are some numbers from that same report:
Breast augmentation average age: 32
Liposuction average age: 51
Facelift average age: 58
Tummy tuck average age: 59
Eyelid surgery average age: 60
As you can see, there is a wide range in the statistics. While most procedures are around age 50, many people start getting cosmetic surgery in their 30’s or 40’s, and some individuals start later in life.
Every procedure has different risk factors, so it’s important you have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to know what to expect.
Procedures Appropriate Young Adults and Teenagers
Every plastic surgery procedure has different risk factors. Some procedures, like nose reshaping or fixing a deviated septum, are best for younger patients because the risks are lower than other procedures.
Teenagers who want cosmetic surgery should seriously consider weighing their options with an expert plastic surgeon because there are many things to consider. Most procedures done at this age are to correct a genetic flaw or a birth defect.
Teenagers have plastic surgery if they’re in an accident and need immediate care for their injuries, but in these cases, it’s best to seek a second opinion from another surgeon.
In some cases, doctors believe an accident is not enough reason for surgery at any age. For example, if a child breaks his or her nose in an accident, it’s important to give the bones time to heal on their own. If the nose doesn’t look normal after it has healed, then surgery can be considered.
If your child wants plastic surgery done to reshape a body part, it’s best to let them wait until they are full-grown adults. Each case is different based on your child’s growth and development, so be sure to talk to a specialist about the best option for your child.
Some of the most common procedures for those under 20:
Elective rhinoplasty (nose job): can be considered once the nose fully develops, usually between 14 and 18 years old
Otoplasty (ear surgery): can be considered at younger ages depending on the severity of the problem.
Upper or lower eyelid surgery: can reduce the appearance of lines and baggy skin
Cosmetic breast surgery: is not performed on those under 18. Like other areas of the body, breast tissue continues to grow for several years after puberty, so it’s best to wait until your breasts have reached a fully mature size before getting surgery.
There are usually social reasons why younger patients get cosmetic surgery. Many teens want to fix their noses because of bullying. It’s important for kids feeling self-conscious about their appearance to get the support they need from parents and other adults and thoroughly weigh their options before deciding to get a permanent change.
Some people also get cosmetic surgery in their teenage years to avoid developing a scar from an accident or injury that could have been fixed with a less invasive procedure if they had time for the wound to heal.
Certain procedures are not recommended for anyone under 18, such as chin/cheek implants. This is because teenagers are still growing and their bodies will change throughout the rest of their lives. And, while these procedures are almost always safe for teens, it may be harder to get the best results when you are still growing.
The risks also depend on your overall health, so teenagers who smoke or have other health problems are more at risk for complications during surgery. Ultimately, you should always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon about your specific circumstances and desired results. They will be best equipped to advise you on the best options and timeframe for you to achieve the look you’re after.
Procedures Appropriate for Middle-Aged Adults
Most cosmetic procedures can be done in a middle-aged patient’s lifetime. Some people choose to wait until after their children are grown up before getting plastic surgery because it’s an investment in themselves. The best time to consider plastic surgery is when you can focus on your recovery.
Middle-aged people are usually in the prime of their lives for most procedures. Ad discussed, for younger patients, it may be too early to risk the potential complications of the surgery, and it may be best to wait for the body to fully develop. On the other hand, for older patients, there are risks that surgery may not be successful or that there could be future complications. In addition, you can be prepared as much as possible and look for the required plastic surgery recovery garments ahead of time.
People who are in good health and have the time to recover can consider any of the popular plastic surgery procedures that can rejuvenate their body and face. The most popular procedures for middle-aged adults are:
Facelift: can improve the appearance of frown lines, marionette lines, jowls, loose neck skin, and more
Liposuction: can improve body shape by removing subcutaneous fat
Breast augmentation/reduction: Breast augmentation is the most common plastic surgery procedure.
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty): can remove excess skin and tighten stretched muscles that have loosened over time. After menopause, a tummy tuck can restore the belly to a youthful appearance, or after having children, it can help make your stomach smooth again.
Breast lift: can lift sagging breasts for a more youthful appearance
Botox/Dysport injections: can improve wrinkles, lines, and creases around your eyes and lips
Procedures Appropriate for Older Patients
As you age, your face starts to lose volume and show more signs of aging. Some patients who are 70+ years old may want to have plastic surgery to remove signs of aging or correct problem areas that are difficult to treat with non-surgical methods.
Older adults are generally in good health for most procedures, but it’s important to make sure they have a strong support system at home with any necessary assistance if needed after surgery.
Sometimes it’s hard for older patients to recover from surgeries because of their age and the medications they are taking, so it’s important to know what other health problems you may have before getting plastic surgery.
Older adults should consider having procedures that can help improve their quality of life and make them look and feel better, such as:
Facelift: can remove sagging skin and firm up muscles to restore a more youthful appearance.
Liposuction: can improve body shape and remove excess fat, making it easier to get around.
Lower body lift: can remove excess skin and tighten stretched muscles after major weight loss.
Hair replacement or transplantation: can cover balding areas or replace lost hair if you are in good health.
Ear surgery (otoplasty): can improve the appearance of protruding ears
Innovations in plastic surgery have made procedures easier on patients. You don’t have to go through as much pain, and healing time is much shorter. But it’s important to remember that you should not rush into any decision about plastic surgery. It’s a permanent change, so make sure you are confident with your choice before going forward with anything.
A consultation can help you determine what kind of procedure might be best for you, and your doctor can answer any questions you have.
Taking the time to research will help you make a better decision that can improve your confidence and self-esteem.
Note: The numbers presented in the article are not meant to serve as absolute guidelines, but provide a general idea of averages when it comes to when certain procedures are appropriate. It is recommended that you set up consultations with surgeons when deciding when you will have your procedure(s), especially if there are other factors involved.
