Is Plastic Surgery for You?
Fantastic Plastic
I personally don’t have a problem with plastic surgery. If you don’t like something about yourself, you have every right to change it. Whatever you think you may need to keep yourself looking and feeling divalicious and fabulous, I say go for it!
My only issue is when people look to plastic surgery as a “fix all” for all their problems. Let’s face it, if your mind-set is “bad” before the surgery, it will continue to be “bad” afterwards.
Unlike younger women who tend to get procedures that “change” their appearance such as, rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and cheek implants. Studies have shown that older women tend to opt for procedures that either enhance or improve their appearance like facelifts and eyelid surgery.
They say that this is because younger women have an easier time adjusting to more drastic changes, but I think it’s because when you get older you are just more comfortable with who you are as a woman. If your goal is to look like someone else, then maybe surgery isn’t the right path for you. The sole purpose of plastic surgery is to make you, a better you. The following are just some of the procedures that most older women are seeking. Many focus on reversing the signs of aging, while others can help you get the body you once had―or always wanted.
Facelift
Great for lifting sagging cheeks, jowls and that loose skin around the neck, however, it will not eliminate wrinkles or other skin conditions. Surgery usually lasts about 2-4 hours and an overnight stay may be recommended. Most swelling and bruising is gone in 2 weeks but may last longer. Final results are usually seen within 1-4 months after the procedure. Average cost is about $7000 - $9000.
Eyelid Surgery
Relieves that “tired” look, making puffy and baggy eyes more youthful and refreshed, however, eyelid surgery will not improve crow’s feet or droopy eyebrows. The length of the surgery is usually 30-90 minutes and is considered an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day. Swelling and bruising improve within 3-14 days, and final results are visible within 2-6 weeks. Average cost is about $4000 - $5500.
Brow Lift (forehead lift)
A brow lift raises the eyebrows to a higher, more aesthetic position, but too much lift can give you that “surprised” look. It can also lift the droopy flaps that hang over the outside of the eyes, and soften forehead wrinkles and scowl lines. However, a brow lift will not improve baggy eyelids or crow’s feet. Surgery lasts about 30-90 minutes and is an outpatient procedure. Swelling and bruising decrease in 10-14 days and final results can be seen in 2-4 weeks. Average cost is about $3500 - $5000.
Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
Dieting and exercise will tone your muscles, but a tummy tuck tightens the loose skin and that loose inner girdle that can come from giving birth. It’s also great for the removal of the stretch marks on your lower abdomen that can occur after pregnancy. However a tummy tuck can't remove stretch marks of your upper or middle abdomen. The length of surgery is 1-3 hours and you may have to stay overnight for pain control. Bruising does not usually occur, but abdominal numbness is expected and can last for 6 months or longer. The final result will be noticeable in about one year, after the scar has healed. Average cost is about $6000 - $8000.
Breast Lift
Are your breasts sagging, droopy or just plain headed south? A breast lift may be your ticket to “perkiness.” Some women opt to having breast implants to improve this condition. However, only a breast lift can get your nipples and breasts back where they once were. Depending on the degree of sagging, scarring can be extensive, but most will fade over time. Surgery is about 1-2 hours and is an outpatient procedure. Swelling and bruising improve within 3-10 days, and the final results are visible in six months after the scars have healed. Average cost is about $5000 – 6000.
Liposuction
Best suited for individuals who are at or near their ideal body weight, and are looking to reduce specific diet-resistant areas such as, the hips (love handles), inner and outer thighs, abdomen, neck and arms. Liposuction will not tighten loose skin or the inner girdle. Surgery can last from 3-4 hours depending on the amount of fat removed. Most patients go home, but individuals with large-volume liposuction (6-8 liters) stay in the hospital overnight for observation. Swelling peaks within a week and dissipates over 2-8 weeks. Final results are usually seen in 4-8 weeks, after swelling decreases. Average cost varies depending on the number of areas requested. Average cost for one area is about $2500-$4500, three and five areas can vary from $5500 - $10,000. Plastic surgery carries risks just like any other surgery, especially if you are older. There are other non-evasive procedures available that can also give you the results you may be looking for. Always do your research first to see what choice is right for you.
Information for this article was obtained at InfoPlasticSurgery.com, and is for informational purposes only. Please contact a certified plastic surgeon if you have specific questions or concerns.
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