Eyelid Surgery - Special Considerations For Older Plastic Surgery Patients

In 2007, the eyelid lift was the number one cosmetic procedure of the 55 and older crowd. That age group also accounted for nearly 50% of all the people having the procedure. Now, cosmetic surgical procedures certainly aren't just for the older crowd anymore.

Men and women in the 30s and 40s are turning back the years as well. However, because their skin still has good elasticity, they can use the non-invasive methods to regenerate their skin. As you get older, your skin loses elasticity and surgical techniques are the only way to truly get rid of the wrinkles and tighten the skin.

While surgical cosmetic work is common in people 55 and older, this means that the surgeon and the patient have to take more precautions. Here are some of the special considerations for older patients seeking an eyelid lift:

1. Overall health - This is not to say that everyone seeking plastic surgery that is less than 55 is in perfect health, but the chance of having certain health issues is increased with age. For any patient, but especially older ones, it is important to divulge all medical concerns before having an eyelid lift.

Since this is a major surgery and anesthesia is used, a history of heart attack or stroke makes elective surgery more dangerous. High blood pressure can also cause problems when anesthesia is administered. Operations are stressful on the body, whether you are asleep or not. Diabetes is another medical condition that is contraindicated for elective procedures.

Specific to an eyelid lift, older patients are more susceptible to dry eye syndrome so the surgeon must adjust his technique to make sure the condition is not created or exacerbated.

2. Medicines - Not only do the conditions create problems during the operation, the medications you are taking to control the problem can make the procedure more dangerous. If you are taking any medications, you have to tell the surgeon.

The anesthesiologist needs to know what may interact or reduce the effectiveness of the anesthesia. He will have to watch you more closely during the eyelid lift procedure to make sure you do not become distressed while under.

3. Combination procedures - It is not uncommon for plastic surgery patients to combine an eyelid surgery with others like the brow lift or face lift. For older patients who may have a medical condition, be taking medications or are quite advanced in age, combining procedures may not be a good idea.

The longer anyone is under anesthesia, the more stressful it is for the body. For older patients who have medical conditions, it is even more stressful and dangerous. So, though it is convenient, it may not be a good idea.

Not only should older patients be forthcoming with any medical conditions, they should also carefully choose the right surgeon to perform their eyelid procedure. Anyone seeking plastic surgery should verify the credentials of their surgeon.

He should be board certified to perform plastic surgery and licensed to practice in the state you're in. Surgery is a risky process anyway, but if you add age and medical problems to the mix, it becomes riskier. To get the most from your operation and to make it safer, find a surgeon with experience working with older patients as well as performing eyelid lift procedures.

His knowledge and experience works in your favor if there are special considerations he needs to make. You don't have necessarily had to mix the idea of looking younger through plastic surgery; you just have to be a little more careful.

Since surgical cosmetic work is common in older people, cosmetic surgeons have to take more precautions. At the Center for Plastic Surgery in Northern Virginia, eyelift surgery is performed after all medical supervisions. Visit http://www.cpsdcos.com

A Aaronson