Haute MD: Plastic Surgery On The Rise For Seniors

Last week, the New York Times posted a story in their online health section about the rise of plastic surgery amongst seniors. The article introduced us to a woman in California named Marie Kolstad. Kolstad, who recently had a breast lift with implants, is a widow who works full time as a property manager and leads a very active social life. Doesn’t sound too shocking until you factor in that she is 83.

My grandmother, a contemporary of Kolstad, is 87 and I can assure you that implants are the last thing on her mind. However, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Kolstad is not alone. In 2010, a total of 84,685 surgical procedures were performed on patients over the age of 65. This was a 21% increase from 2009. The most common surgeries included facelifts and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). Breast procedures, including reductions, lifts and augmentations, accounted for approximately 3%-7% (not exclusive). So don’t be surprised if the next time you see grandma she looks a bit perkier than usual. You may just find yourself asking her for that secret family recipe…and her plastic surgeon.