Aging can be a deeply personal journey, and for many people in Bergen County, the desire to look and feel their best doesn’t diminish with age. In fact, the popularity of cosmetic procedures among those over 60 has grown considerably in recent years, thanks to advances in both surgical and non-surgical techniques.
Whether you’re considering a subtle change to boost self-confidence or looking to address more significant skin and body concerns, it’s crucial to understand the potential benefits and risks before moving forward.
This article, the latest in The Next Chapter content series on mybergen.com, takes a thorough look at national cosmetic trends and explains how they may relate to a 60+ Bergen County audience. You’ll also find practical considerations for older adults, guidance on choosing a reputable plastic surgeon, plus additional factors like psychological readiness, lifestyle impacts, and financial planning. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about any procedure you may be considering.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you are considering any cosmetic procedure, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider or board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if it’s safe and appropriate for your individual needs. The resources listed are not paid advertisers of mybergen.com, nor does their inclusion imply endorsement. Always seek professional medical guidance before making health-related decisions.
Why Are Cosmetic Enhancements Appealing to Those 60 and Older?
For adults in their 60s and beyond, seeking cosmetic procedures often involves a mix of practical and aesthetic motivations:
- Reclaiming Confidence
- Age-related changes such as sagging skin, lines, and volume loss can impact self-esteem. A procedure that addresses these concerns may improve day-to-day confidence.
- Comfort and Function
- Certain surgeries—like breast reduction—can reduce physical discomfort, such as back or neck pain, and make exercise or daily activities more manageable.
- Weight Fluctuations
- Medication shifts, menopause, or lifestyle changes can lead to weight loss or gain, causing loose skin that cannot always be resolved through diet and exercise alone.
- A More Proactive Generation
- Today’s older adults often embrace a proactive approach to aging, seeing cosmetic enhancement as an extension of self-care and healthy living.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, individuals over the age of 55 accounted for nearly 25% of all cosmetic procedures in 2024, underscoring the growing acceptance and popularity of these treatments among older adults.
Recent National Insights
The RealSelf 2024 Real Talk Report analyzed over 55 million visits to the RealSelf platform, identifying the most-searched cosmetic procedures. While these trends include people of all ages, they offer a glimpse into what’s dominating conversations across the U.S.:
- Liposuction (Up 144%)
- Often combined with weight-loss strategies, it helps refine contours and address stubborn pockets of fat, including the chin, midsection, and thighs.
- Breast Lift (Up 116%)
- Popular among those seeking a more youthful, lifted shape, especially after weight changes or pregnancy.
- Tummy Tuck (Up 84%)
- Addresses sagging skin or loose abdominal muscles, often linked to aging, pregnancy, or significant weight loss.
- Breast Augmentation
- Shifting toward more natural enhancements, including fat transfer for subtle improvements.
- Rhinoplasty (Up 90%)
- Many patients focus on preserving ethnic identity and achieving balanced facial features.
Popular Procedures for Gen X and Baby Boomers
Procedures like facelifts and eyelid surgery also saw notable interest in 2024, especially among Gen X and Baby Boomers, who often look for ways to tighten and refresh the face or eye area without drastically altering their appearance.
Key Considerations for Bergen County’s 60+ Community
Overall Health and Medical Clearance
Before committing to any cosmetic procedure, consult your primary care provider or specialist to ensure that your heart, blood pressure, and other vital health markers are well-managed. According to the Mayo Clinic, stable health reduces the risk of complications from anesthesia and surgery. This is especially crucial if you have a history of cardiac, respiratory, or metabolic conditions (e.g., diabetes).
Psychological Readiness & Realistic Goals
- Mental Health Screenings: Some older adults may have underlying issues like anxiety, depression, or body dysmorphia that influence their decision. It’s wise to consider a mental health evaluation, especially if the desire for surgery is driven by deeper emotional concerns.
- Realistic Expectations: Cosmetic enhancement can rejuvenate your look but won’t solve every concern. Speak openly with a board-certified plastic surgeon about what you hope to achieve. Many older patients favor subtle enhancements that align with their natural features.
Recovery and Support
- Extended Recovery Timeline: Seniors may heal more slowly, bruise more easily, or need additional rest. You might require help at home for several days or weeks post-surgery, especially for tasks like meal prep or errands.
- Mobility Concerns: Major surgeries like tummy tucks or lower-body lifts can limit mobility. Arrange for a family member, friend, or professional service to assist you if daily tasks become challenging.
Lifestyle Factors
- Smoking and Alcohol Use: The American Society of Anesthesiologists warns that smoking and heavy alcohol consumption can lead to impaired wound healing and higher anesthesia risks. Quitting or reducing smoking before surgery is strongly advised.
- Medication Interactions: Blood thinners, diabetic medications, and certain heart drugs can influence healing and recovery. Discuss all prescriptions with your surgeon to avoid adverse interactions.
Potential Benefits vs. Risks
- Benefits: Restored self-confidence, relief from physical discomfort (e.g., large breasts), and correction of age-related changes like drooping eyelids.
- Risks: Infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, scarring, fluid buildup, nerve damage, or unsatisfactory results. According to the Cleveland Clinic, each procedure carries unique risks you should understand before committing.
Additional Note: Surgical Risks Including Blood Clots
While cosmetic procedures can yield transformative results, it’s essential to recognize that surgery carries inherent risks—especially for older adults. Beyond general concerns like infection, anesthesia complications, and excessive bleeding, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) present a serious risk, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Blood clots can form in the legs and potentially travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), posing life-threatening complications. Seniors may have an elevated risk if they have limited mobility, certain cardiovascular conditions, or a history of clotting disorders. Surgeons commonly recommend measures such as compression stockings, light mobility soon after surgery (if appropriate), and sometimes low-dose blood thinners to help reduce clot risk. If you have a history of clots or any underlying circulatory problems, be sure to discuss this thoroughly with both your primary care physician and your plastic surgeon.
Non-Surgical Alternatives & Maintenance
- Alternatives: Radiofrequency microneedling (e.g., Morpheus8), fillers, and Botox can deliver moderate improvements without the downtime of surgery. However, these treatments require regular maintenance and often cannot address significant sagging.
- Longevity of Results: No procedure halts the natural aging process. Surgical results can last many years but may still evolve over time. Procedures like Botox or fillers need ongoing treatments to maintain results.
More on Botox as a Popular Non-Surgical Option
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is one of the most well-known non-surgical procedures available for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around the forehead, brow, and crow’s feet.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Botox injections are consistently among the top minimally invasive treatments each year, including for older adults seeking subtle cosmetic enhancements. While results typically last three to four months, repeated treatments can help maintain a smoother appearance.
It’s important to choose an experienced injector—such as a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist—who can determine how much product is appropriate for your unique facial structure, especially if you have thinner, more delicate skin.
Weddings, Reunions, and Special Occasions
Many individuals over 60 consider cosmetic enhancements in anticipation of significant life events—such as weddings, family reunions, or other milestone celebrations. Mothers and daughters sometimes undergo treatments simultaneously to share the experience and boost confidence leading up to the big day. For example, a mother may choose to have a facelift or eyelid surgery to look refreshed for a wedding photo session, while a daughter might opt for minor touch-ups like Botox or fillers. Although these occasions can be a motivating factor, experts recommend planning cosmetic procedures well in advance of the event. This ensures ample recovery time and helps minimize last-minute stresses if any complications or extended healing periods arise.
Financial Considerations
- Insurance Coverage: Some procedures (e.g., eyelid surgery for vision obstruction, breast reduction for severe back pain) may be partially covered if deemed medically necessary. Check with your insurer in advance.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Cosmetic procedures are usually elective, and many older adults live on a fixed income. Be mindful of financing or payment plans, and weigh these options carefully against your budget.
Resources for Choosing a Bergen County Cosmetic Surgeon
When researching plastic surgeons, especially for more complex procedures, many people turn to established rankings for guidance. Below are four resources to help you start your search:
- Castle Connolly
- Methodology: Peer nominations, physician-led vetting, and credential checks. Doctors cannot pay to be ranked.
- U.S. News & World Report
- Methodology: Aggregates data from government, hospital, and physician sources, offering a “Doctor Finder” tool.
- Healthgrades
- Methodology: Collects patient feedback, quality metrics, and physician information.
- Vitals
- Methodology: Gathers patient reviews and basic physician details; cross-reference with board certifications.
- More Tips for Researching Bergen County Plastic Surgeons
- Read Verified Reviews: Sites like RealSelf or Healthgrades can provide insights from patients, though personal consultation remains crucial.
- Verify Credentials: Check the surgeon’s board certifications through the American Board of Plastic Surgery and state medical boards for any disciplinary history.
- Compare Multiple Consultations: Different surgeons have different techniques and philosophies; seeing more than one can give you a broader perspective.
- Ask About Hospital Privileges: Even if the surgery is performed in a private suite, having hospital privileges often signifies a higher level of accreditation.
- Look at ‘Before & After’ Photos: Seek examples of patients in your age range or with similar aesthetic goals. This can help set realistic expectations.
Do Your Homework
Cosmetic enhancement among the 60+ demographic is becoming increasingly common, reflecting both technological advances and a culture that values looking as energetic as one feels. However, any cosmetic procedure—whether surgical or non-surgical—comes with inherent risks. Doing your homework, consulting with multiple surgeons, and being realistic about results can help ensure the best possible outcome.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The resources listed are provided as a starting point for further research. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider or board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if a procedure is right for you.
About The Next Chapter on mybergen.com
The Next Chapter is a dedicated content series on mybergen.com designed for Bergen County’s 60+ community. We offer insights on health, lifestyle, local activities, and more, all tailored to the needs and interests of older adults looking to stay active, informed, and connected.
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