Is liposuction safe for seniors? Yes, liposuction can be safe if the patient is in good health and the procedure is done by an experienced, board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
Many people considering liposuction after 55 or even liposuction at age 65 worry that they are too old for this cosmetic surgery. The truth is that the liposuction that is performed today has come a long way in technique and safety, so age alone does not automatically rule you out as a candidate for liposuction.
Why Age Alone Does Not Determine Liposuction Eligibility
Eligibility for liposuction is not determined solely by your age, because age-related changes, like how much elasticity your skin has or how well your immune system functions for recovery, will matter more than how old you are.
Surgeons will also look at things like your cardiovascular health, blood pressure, any metabolic issues like diabetes, and how well it is managed, and how your body will respond to the anesthesia.
The Aesthetic Surgery Journal published the results of a large study that looked at more than 31,000 procedures and determined that liposuction performed alone carries very low risks for major complications and that the patient’s overall health status was the most important consideration for determining their eligibility for the procedure, and not their age.
It may be determined that a healthier 70-year-old is better suited for liposuction than a less healthy 50-year-old.
Skin Elasticity Matters
The quality of your skin makes a big difference in the results of a liposuction procedure. As people age, their collagen and elastin levels drop, which is what causes skin laxity and wrinkles.
Liposuction eliminates fat cells that are under the skin, and it is important to your results for your skin to have enough elasticity to be able to retract back to fit smoothly over the treated areas. After fat removal, older skin may not tighten as easily, leaving you with mild laxity or sagging.
This does not mean that liposuction is unsafe for seniors, but it may affect the final results. Some patients combine liposuction with a skin-tightening treatment or surgical procedure to tighten loose skin to give them smoother and tighter-looking final results.
Why More Seniors Are Considering Liposuction
As you age, your metabolism slows, and the way your body holds onto fat changes. For many, fat begins to build up in areas like the abdomen, flanks, and upper arms. It is often very difficult to lose weight or do enough exercise to eliminate the fat in these areas, which is why liposuction is beginning to become more popular for older adults.
Liposuction After 55 and After Menopause
Women who are thinking about having liposuction after 55 most often are looking for a solution for the stubborn fat that seems to appear out of nowhere and accumulate around their midsection after menopause.
Many women notice fat shifting to their midsection as they get older, which is why searches for “liposuction for menopause belly” have become so common. After a certain age, many women experience hormonal changes that cause stubborn fat to accumulate in their abdominal area. This can be very frustrating because they have not changed their lifestyle, and diet and exercise do not seem to be effective at all.
The good news is that liposuction targets subcutaneous fat, which is the type that tends to accumulate in your belly, hips, thighs, and back during and after the transition to menopause. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, but it works very well to remove those resistant pockets of fat that accumulate due to hormonal changes.
Is Liposuction at Age 65 Safe?
Liposuction at age 65 can be safe for the right candidate. In fact, the same research study mentioned earlier in this article showed that complication rates in seniors (1.94%) were not significantly different than those experienced by younger patients (1.84%).
Also, older patients often undergo a more detailed screening process to reduce risks like blood clots, delayed healing, or potential reactions to anesthesia than do younger patients.
Serious complications are not common due to the newer, more modern liposuction techniques and careful monitoring.
Potential Risks Of Liposuction For Older Women
Every surgery has risks, and liposuction is no exception. The most common side effects of liposuction for anyone include swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness, but more serious complications like fluid buildup, contour irregularities, or blood clots are rare but possible.
Older adults may experience slightly longer recovery times because their body’s natural collagen production has slowed down and their skin has less elasticity. Some of the other things that may be slightly more likely for an older person to experience after liposuction include:
- Longer-lasting swelling.
- Increased bruising due to more fragile blood vessels.
- Loose or sagging skin from reduced skin elasticity.
- Contour irregularities are more visible with thinner skin.
- Prolonged numbness or slower nerve recovery.
- Higher risk of blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis.
- Greater sensitivity to anesthesia and longer recovery from sedation.
- Slightly increased infection risk due to age-related immune changes.
IBI Plastic Surgery Med Spa offers awake liposuction, which uses local anesthesia and avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia. Awake liposuction removes fat and tightens skin using only a few tiny entry points around two millimeters wide and can be a great option for older patients, or for performing liposuction after menopause for women who have concerns about using general anesthesia.
Choose Your Surgeon Carefully
One of the most important choices you make when thinking about cosmetic surgery is who will be performing your procedure. When you are an older adult and thinking about liposuction after menopause or having a tummy tuck at 50 years of age, it is even more critical that your surgeon has the experience and expertise to deliver the results you want with your safety as a priority.
Dr. Angelina at IBI Plastic Surgery Med Spa prioritizes the safety of all her patients and takes the time to perform thorough and careful evaluations. She uses conservative fat removal limits and provides detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and avoid potential complications.
Where Can I Learn More About Liposuction After 55?
Studies show that liposuction can be safe for seniors who are in good health and are free from certain medical conditions.
If you are an older adult, like a woman dealing with unwanted fat accumulations after menopause, the team of experts at IBI Plastic Surgery Med Spa can help determine if liposuction is an option for you. Besides liposuction, they offer a wide variety of non-surgical procedures that may work well to tighten up your skin and reduce unwanted pockets of fat without surgery.
Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon with extensive experience helping patients of all ages safely achieve the natural-looking aesthetic enhancements they desire.
Many healthy seniors can safely consider liposuction regardless of their age when they are properly screened. If you are considering liposuction after menopause or want to get rid of a menopause belly or slim down other areas of localized fat that are not responding to diet and exercise, contact the knowledgeable team at IBI Plastic Surgery Med Spa.
A consultation and medical evaluation are always necessary to determine if the procedure is safe for you. Set up a consultation today to learn more about liposuction and whether it would be a good option for you.
FAQs
Will Liposuction Get Rid of Menopause Belly?
Maybe. Liposuction can help shape your body, but it is not a weight loss treatment. It can help to reduce a menopause belly if the fat is localized and your weight has been stable and close to your goal weight. Liposuction can remove stubborn fat that often accumulates after menopause and refuses to leave despite any type of diet or exercise.
Can You Get Liposuction at 50?
Yes, you can get liposuction at 50, and many people in their 50s or older are great candidates if they are in good health and have realistic expectations. Being older does not eliminate you from being a good candidate for liposuction. A qualified surgeon like Dr. Angelina Postoev can evaluate your health, skin quality, and goals to determine if liposuction is a good option for you.
