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Can a 70 year old woman get a breast lift? Addressing safety and realistic expectations

4 min read

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, age is not the most significant factor in determining eligibility for cosmetic procedures. The answer to "Can a 70 year old woman get a breast lift?" depends far more on her overall health, lifestyle, and a thorough medical evaluation than her chronological age. This procedure can offer significant benefits for older women who are in good health and have realistic expectations about the results.

Quick Summary

The possibility of a breast lift for a 70-year-old hinges primarily on her overall health and specific surgical considerations. Factors like skin quality, weight stability, and medical history are more crucial than age itself for a safe and successful procedure. Consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is essential to discuss personalized risks and potential outcomes.

Key Points

  • Eligibility is Health-Based: A 70-year-old woman who is in good overall health can be a candidate for a breast lift, as a patient's physical condition is more important than their age.

  • Pre-Surgery Clearance is Critical: Patients over 60 often require a thorough medical evaluation, including lab work and an EKG, to get clearance from their doctor before undergoing a breast lift.

  • Risks are Similar to Younger Patients: Studies have shown that healthy seniors face a similar risk of complications from cosmetic surgery as younger patients, provided they are in good health.

  • Expect Longer, but Manageable, Recovery: Older patients may have slightly longer healing times due to changes in skin and tissue elasticity, but following post-operative care is crucial for optimal results.

  • Tailored Surgical Techniques: An experienced plastic surgeon will customize the breast lift technique based on the mature patient's unique skin elasticity and degree of sagging.

  • Realistic Goals Lead to Satisfaction: Because skin loses elasticity with age, it is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome, which an experienced surgeon can help establish during consultation.

In This Article

Can a 70 year old woman get a breast lift? Age vs. Health

For many women, the desire to feel confident and comfortable in their bodies doesn't diminish with age. While societal perceptions often link cosmetic procedures with youth, the reality is that many women in their 70s are excellent candidates for a breast lift, or mastopexy. Board-certified plastic surgeons emphasize that a patient's overall health is a much more critical factor than their chronological age. A woman who is 70 and healthy may be a better candidate than a younger woman with underlying health issues that could compromise her safety during surgery.

During an initial consultation, a surgeon will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a patient's health. This includes assessing cardiovascular and lung function, reviewing medical history, and potentially ordering lab tests and an EKG. Certain chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of blood clots, may increase surgical risks. However, with proper medical clearance and management, these conditions do not automatically disqualify a patient. A patient's skin quality, while naturally less elastic with age, is also a key consideration for anticipating the final results. Advanced surgical techniques can help optimize outcomes even with mature skin.

Preparing for a breast lift at 70

Proper preparation is essential for a safe and successful breast lift, especially for an older patient. This involves several steps that must be discussed with your surgeon well before the scheduled procedure.

  • Medical Clearance: Obtain a full medical clearance from your primary care physician to confirm you are in suitable health for elective surgery.
  • Medication Review: Your surgeon will review all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements. Many blood-thinning agents, including aspirin and certain herbal supplements, must be stopped for a period before surgery.
  • Smoking Cessation: For smokers, quitting is mandatory, as nicotine significantly impairs circulation and the body's ability to heal. Patients will be required to stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery to minimize complication risks.
  • Lifestyle Optimization: A stable weight is crucial for long-lasting results, so maintaining a healthy diet and hydration is important.
  • Post-Surgery Planning: Arrange for a caregiver to assist you in the initial recovery period, as you will have lifting restrictions and limited mobility.

Potential benefits for older women

While a breast lift doesn't stop the aging process, it can offer transformative benefits for a woman in her 70s. Beyond a cosmetic improvement, a mastopexy can also enhance a patient's quality of life.

  • Enhanced Confidence and Self-Esteem: Addressing sagging breasts, which can be a source of self-consciousness, can lead to a significant boost in confidence.
  • Improved Clothing Fit: Lifted, firmer breasts can make clothing, including bras and swimsuits, fit more comfortably and flatteringly.
  • Physical Comfort: For women with larger or significantly sagging breasts, a mastopexy can alleviate physical discomforts such as skin irritation, shoulder strain, and back pain.
  • Psychological Well-Being: Choosing to undergo a procedure for personal satisfaction can be a profoundly empowering act at any age.

Comparing breast lift options for mature skin

For older patients, the choice of surgical technique depends on the degree of sagging (ptosis) and the skin's elasticity. An experienced surgeon will tailor the approach to the individual's anatomy for the best possible outcome.

Feature Circumareolar (Donut) Lift Vertical (Lollipop) Lift Anchor (Inverted-T) Lift
Best for... Mild sagging; often combined with implants. Moderate sagging with good skin elasticity. Significant sagging and excess skin.
Incisions Circular incision around the areola. Around the areola and a vertical line to the breast crease. Around the areola, vertical line, and along the breast crease.
Scarring Minimal, discreet scarring around the areola. Moderate, with a lollipop-shaped scar that is typically well-hidden. Most extensive scarring, though it is usually concealed by a bikini top.
Results Subtle lift, best for minimal corrections. Significant lifting and reshaping of the breast mound. Dramatic reshaping, ideal for correcting very low-hanging breasts.

What to expect from a consultation

Your consultation is a crucial first step toward a breast lift. During this meeting, a board-certified plastic surgeon will: evaluate your breast shape, skin quality, and overall anatomy; discuss your aesthetic goals and help set realistic expectations; review your medical history in detail; and explain the different surgical techniques and the recovery process.

It is important to understand that a breast lift at 70, while possible, will not yield the exact same results as for a younger patient with more elastic skin. The results will be a more youthful contour, not a return to a 20-year-old's figure. An experienced surgeon can show you before-and-after photos of patients in your age range to help manage your expectations. A surgeon may also discuss combining the lift with other procedures, such as an augmentation with implants, to restore lost volume.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a 70-year-old woman can absolutely get a breast lift, provided she is in good overall health and receives medical clearance. Age is less of a limiting factor than an individual's health status, lifestyle, and realistic expectations. While the procedure is not risk-free, complications are similar to those for younger patients and are more closely tied to specific health conditions than age itself. A personalized consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the most important step to determine eligibility and to create a customized treatment plan that can help you achieve your goals safely and effectively.

Keypoints

  • Health over Age: A woman's overall health is the primary factor for breast lift eligibility, not her chronological age.
  • Mandatory Clearance: Medical clearance from a primary care physician is essential to ensure a patient is healthy enough for elective surgery.
  • Manageable Risks: While risks exist for any surgery, complication rates are similar for healthy older patients and younger patients.
  • Realistic Expectations: Mature skin and tissue quality mean results will differ from younger patients, and setting realistic goals is key to satisfaction.
  • Lifestyle Impacts Results: A stable weight and avoiding smoking are crucial for optimal and long-lasting breast lift results.
  • Recovery Considerations: Older women should expect a potentially longer recovery period and need support for daily tasks initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, age is not the most important factor for a breast lift. A 70-year-old woman who is in good overall health and receives medical clearance can be an excellent candidate for the procedure.

Underlying health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders can increase surgical risks. A thorough medical evaluation is necessary to determine if these conditions can be managed safely for surgery.

Yes, all nicotine use must be stopped well in advance of a breast lift. Smoking severely impairs blood flow and healing, significantly increasing the risk of complications.

While younger patients may heal faster, most older patients can expect a similar recovery timeline, with initial discomfort lasting a couple of weeks. Returning to vigorous activity typically takes up to six weeks.

No, a breast lift provides a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance, but it cannot reverse the aging process entirely. Realistic expectations are important for satisfaction with the final results.

An experienced plastic surgeon can use advanced techniques to optimize results even with lower skin elasticity. Surgical options may include a more extensive lift technique to address significant sagging.

Yes, for women with large, sagging breasts, a breast lift can reduce strain on the back, neck, and shoulders, improving physical comfort.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.