Facial Plastic Surgery Options for Patients in Their 50s By Nimit D on April 13, 2015

As people approach or surpass middle age, the physical changes that affect their overall facial appearance may seem more dramatic than ever. Around this time, many people begin to notice a substantial increase in wrinkles, more deposits of fat in certain areas, and a decrease in skin elasticity, among other undesirable changes. Accordingly, facial plastic surgery is often considered as a way of turning back the proverbial clock and achieving a younger, more rejuvenated appearance. At our Ottawa facial cosmetic surgery office, we understand how the various signs of aging can impact one’s self-image, and we offer a variety of treatment options to combat this. We also, however, understand the concerns that patients may have about surgery in their 50s. To this end, we offer the following information on facial plastic surgery and whether it may be appropriate for you.

Surgery in Your 50s

While it’s true that older patients tend to require a bit more recovery time than younger patients, plastic surgery is not inherently more dangerous just because a patient is in his or her 50s. As with any surgery, the risks and side effects depend primarily on an individual patient’s health. Patients in their 50s are at the ideal age for many of our procedures, since the primary goal of many facial plastic surgeries is to combat the apparent signs of aging, which tend to appear around this time. Wrinkles and loose skin, for instance, can be reduced through a number of cosmetic treatments that are ideal for patients in their 50s: at this age, patients are beginning to truly see undesirable changes in the mirror, but they are also still young enough to undergo surgery without much worry or risk. These patients tend to have some skin elasticity as well, contributing to more effective healing and aesthetic results than patients in their 60s or 70s. 

Treatment Options

Depending on a patient’s individual needs and preferences, a few different treatment options may be considered. When it comes to creating a younger visage, patients may want to discuss any of the following procedures:

• Facelift: A facelift is often the first idea patients turn to when considering facial plastic surgery. This comprehensive procedure repositions the underlying muscles responsible for wrinkles and sagging features, while also removing pockets of fat and tightening loose skin. This treatment is best reserved for patients looking to address multiple signs of aging that are primarily located in the mid to lower face.
• Brow lift: When wrinkles and sagging skin are located most prominently in the forehead, a brow lift may be the most appropriate option. By repositioning the muscles and stretching the skin upward, a brow lift can reduce creases in the forehead, frown lines, a drooping brow, and even sagging skin near the upper eyelids.
• Eyelid surgery: Drooping eyelids are a small piece of the aging process, but they can have a surprisingly dramatic effect on one’s appearance. Sagging lower eyelids can make a patient appear tired or grumpy, while sagging upper eyelids are often associated with aging and can even interfere with vision. Eyelid surgery can effectively address one or both eyelids with minimal recovery time.
• Facial implants: With aging, some patients may find that their cheekbones or other features are not as well defined as they once were. Cheek augmentation through implants can help patients redefine a youthful appearance in a subtle yet effective way. Similarly, fat transplant surgery can be used to create fullness in an otherwise gaunt area. Fat transplants can also be used to fill in wrinkles and creases.  

Consult Dr. Brownrigg

Facial plastic surgery is a decision that should only be made after careful consideration and when armed with accurate information and expectations, but a good decision can lead to satisfying results for many years to come. Consult Dr. Brownrigg to learn more about your plastic surgery options and whether they are right for you. Schedule an initial appointment with us and possibly take the first step toward a new you.

Related to This

• All Blog Posts
• Facial Plastic Surgery