Beauty Club

5 Popular Cosmetic Procedures for Those 50 & Over

Cosmetic Procedures

Aging gracefully is a goal that many people share. In order to do this, some lifestyle factors are important. These include plenty of sleep, exercise, and eating right. Sometimes, however, people require a little more help to achieve the look they are going for. This is where a cosmetic procedure can come in.

Everyone ages differently. The best way to know which procedures will be most effective for an individual is to sit down for a one-on-one consultation with a professional. That said, there are a few procedures that get more popular once people reach the age of 50.

Facelift

Rhytidectomy, better known as a facelift, is perhaps the most well-known option out there for looking younger. There is more than one type of facelift surgery available, depending on the goals of the individual. A “mini-facelift,” for example, targets the lower half of the face and is less invasive, resulting in less downtime.

Facelift surgery has come a long way from the days of just tightening the skin. Today, fat and muscle can be repositioned as well for a more natural look. Although it cannot completely reverse signs of aging, a facelift can help a person look refreshed and less tired.

According to WebMD, a good candidate for facelift surgery is between the ages of 40 and 70. This is because these individuals typically still have some skin elasticity, something that is important for recovery.

Neck Lift

Another area that often starts to show age around 50 is the neck. Officially known as a lower rhytidectomy but more commonly referred to as a neck lift, this procedure focuses on the neck and jawline. This is the most effective way to get rid of a “turkey waddle” that commonly develops as the years go on. A neck lift is perfect for those who are still satisfied with the upper half of their face but would like to reverse sagging in the chin and neck.

During this procedure, excess fat can be removed. The surgeon then carefully remodels the muscle and tissue in the area. The result is smoother skin and a more youthful neck contour.

Good skin elasticity is also important for a neck lift. Plasticsurgery.org points out other important factors for good candidates. They include being in good overall health, having realistic expectations, and being a non-smoker. This is because smoking can slow down the body’s ability to heal.

Eyelid Surgery

Eyelids are a small part of the body that can really show age as the years go on. That is why blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is common for people over 50. This is a procedure that can be done on the upper lids, lower lids, or both, depending on the goals of the individual. Eyelid surgery treats bags underneath the eyes, excess skin, or wrinkles on the lower lid and sagging skin on the upper eyelid.

Small incisions are made for this procedure. They are placed in an area that will be hidden by the natural contour of the eyelid. In some cases, excess skin is removed from the lower eyelid. Fat can also be removed or redistributed, depending on the exact problem and goals for the procedure.

The qualifications for this procedure are similar to most other cosmetic procedures. The additional requirement here is to not have any serious eye conditions. Otherwise, being in good health and understanding what the surgery can and cannot do are the most important things to be considered a good candidate.

Fillers and Injectables

Those who prefer a non-surgical route can use fillers and/or injectables to restore their youthful appearance. There is a variety of these on the market. They can do things like reduce wrinkles, plump up the lips, and even help define the jawbone. Depending on the exact product used, results can last anywhere from months to a year or two.

Most fillers are based on either hyaluronic acid or poly-L-lactic acid. Since there are so many options out there, it is important to go into a consultation with specific goals in mind. With the help of a qualified plastic surgeon, a realistic plan can be made.

More people may be candidates for a filler or injectable simply because they are less invasive procedures. They require less downtime, which may make them a more practical choice for many. Although they have risks just like any other procedure, the recovery is typically more comfortable.

Breast Lift

A mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, is popular with women 50 and older. It is useful when breasts start to sag. Although this procedure alone does not change the size of the breasts, it can be done at the same time as either a breast reduction or breast augmentation. This procedure can also be done if one breast falls lower on the chest than the other to help restore symmetry.

The exact method done for a breast lift will depend on the goals. Excess breast skin will be removed during the procedure and the nipples can be shifted upward if necessary. After the procedure, a surgical support bra is recommended to help with healing.

It is important to discuss goals and medical history with the surgeon. Good candidates are once again healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations. The Mayo Clinic points out that women with smaller breasts will have longer-lasting results. This is simply because larger breasts are also heavier, making them more likely to sag again in the future.

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