How old is “too old” for plastic surgery?

The number of Americans over 65 is rising, and all Baby Boomers will be over 65 by 2030. Consequently, the number of Baby Boomers seeking plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments is also growing. In 2024, this age group made up 59 percent of all facelifts performed in the United States and 61 percent of people who had skin resurfacing treatments.

If you're a Baby Boomer – or Baby Boomer adjacent – you may wonder if you're too old for plastic surgery from a safety standpoint. Well, it turns out that chronological age doesn't have much bearing on whether someone is a good candidate for plastic surgery. As a matter of fact, research shows that patients over 65 can safely undergo plastic surgery without higher complication rates than younger patients when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Factors that matter more to your surgeon than your biological age

When asked whether someone can be too old for plastic surgery, Kristy Hamilton, MD, explained to ASPS that to her, "too old" really means "not being healthy or well enough." She acknowledged that while age is a consideration, "there's some very, very healthy individuals in their 70s and 80s, so if I have patients that are older seeking (surgery) I simply get clearance from their internist and/or their cardiologist just to make sure that it is safe, but beyond that I think it's up to them."

Roy Kim, MD, shared the same opinion, adding, "There is a difference between 'chronological age' versus 'biologic or physiologic age'. As long as an older patient has excellent overall health and is geared to heal well after a procedure, then they are a candidate for plastic surgery."

Dr. Kim highlighted some of the "bigger things plastic surgeons consider" when deciding if someone is a good fit for plastic surgery. These include:

• Cardiac health and related factors, such as blood pressure
• Lung health, including lung capacity and being a non-smoker
• Healing ability, based on the results of certain blood tests and getting enough protein
• Physiologic health, such as whether a patient exercises, is generally active and maintains muscle mass
• Holistic or mental health, such as being and having a support network in place to help with postoperative care

Is there an ideal age for some plastic surgeries?

Your biological age may not prevent you from being a candidate for plastic surgery from a safety perspective, but it can be a factor when it comes to certain procedures and the results you can expect.

Some procedures are better suited to younger patients. Dr. Hamilton pointed out, "Some are just more logical. Like when you pursue a mommy makeover, you want to enjoy it for as long as possible, so I would do it as soon as you decide you're done having your kids. Why wait to enjoy that?"

Dr. Hamilton also explained that younger patients often heal faster and recover more easily, so for more demanding surgeries such as a tummy tuck, "that's better to do on the earlier end of things."

Consider your aesthetic goals when choosing facial plastic surgery. She noted that if you're aiming for undetectable improvements through facial optimization procedures – such as facelifts, eye lifts or brow lifts – having them done earlier can provide a more refreshed, radiant look with glowing skin.

"If you wait until you have jowls and sunken hollow cheeks, then it may be a very natural result and you may look absolutely yourself, however, it's going to be detectable and noticeable because you can't go from having no jawline definition to this really contoured jawline and say that you just went to the spa for the week," said Dr. Hamilton.

The bottom line is that if you're an older adult considering plastic surgery, a board-certified plastic surgeon can help you determine whether you're a suitable candidate and which procedures will help you achieve the result you're hoping for.

To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.