According to the 2020 report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 211,000 Americans had liposuction. It is the fourth-most popular cosmetic procedure behind nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, and facelift. The report shows that most of those who underwent the procedure were aged 45-54 (43%), followed by those between 30-39 (26%) years old.
In the past, liposuction was reserved for relatively young and healthy patients to withstand the after-effects of the suction technique used to remove unwanted fat. Though traditionally done under general anesthesia, many patients would experience pain during the recovery period, so it was not recommended for older patients.
Today, new technology allows liposuction surgery to be less invasive, minimizing bleeding through different techniques and advanced devices. This makes it safer for many patients, including those above 50 years of age. In fact, the 55-69 age group had the third-highest number of liposuction patients with over 38,000.
While there is no standard liposuction age requirement, there are certain factors that surgeons look into before ultimately recommending the procedure for minors and senior citizens.
Undergoing Liposuction Below 18 or Above 50 Years Old
You may be wondering if you are qualified for liposuction at your age. Here’s everything you need to know if you are below 18 or above 50 and considering liposuction.
Can A 15-Year Old Get Liposuction?
Even though most plastic surgeons recommend liposuction for patients at least 18 years old, many young teenagers look for cosmetic solutions to help them with their weight frustrations. Teenage bodies develop and undergo many changes during puberty which affects their figure, body mass, and weight.
If you’re struggling with your weight, liposuction doesn’t need to be your only option. You can consult a nutritionist on changing your diet and work with a trainer on a consistent workout plan. Many times, a healthy lifestyle is enough to lose that extra weight. Just the same, a healthy and active lifestyle is required to maintain liposuction results, so without one, you won’t be qualified for surgery.
As with any procedure, teens and their parents need to keep the risks and side effects of liposuction in mind as this will affect their schooling and their ability to do certain things. They’ll need a few weeks of downtime post-op to recover from any bruising, scarring, or swelling.
They can’t exert too much pressure on their wound, or else it may develop an infection, so physical activities must be kept to a minimum.
All these factors should be carefully considered to understand if liposuction is the best option for you at this time. In the vast majority of cases, it’s better to wait a few years for your body to develop fully.
Is 60 Too Old For Liposuction?
Many older individuals often ask if there’s a liposuction age limit. They wonder how the procedures could impact their health, the results they can expect, and any dangers involved in getting surgery at their age.
Generally speaking, liposuction is effective even for folks 60 and above, but an evaluation by a surgeon is needed to determine if they really qualify for the procedure. Some factors they’ll look into include:
- If they have maintained a healthy lifestyle or are smokers and/or heavy drinkers
- If they have pre-existing medical conditions that may result in more complications after surgery
- If they have good cardiovascular health to avoid any problems during surgery
The elasticity of the skin also is of significant importance for older people who undergo liposuction. They often have sagging or loose skin which may not conform or contract well after surgery and appear even more loose after undergoing liposuction.
The Best Age For Liposuction
While there is no age limit for adults to get liposuction surgery, a careful review of the patient’s medical history is necessary to know if they are in good health to qualify. Liposuction works best for people with good skin elasticity, without circulation or blood flow problems, and a strong immune system. This is a very individual assessment and must be performed before any procedure by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
To know if you are a candidate for liposuction, schedule a consultation today with a board-certified surgeon.
*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.