How Old is Too Old and How Young is Too Young for Plastic Surgery?

We receive inquiries from patients of all ages seeking procedures for cosmetic and plastic surgeries. For the sake of patient safety and well-being, there are age requirements and limits for certain cosmetic procedures at PURE Plastic Surgery. While most patients are within the age range of 20s and 50s, there are younger and older patients seeking cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures, and they are wondering if they are too young or too old to undergo surgery.

All cosmetic and plastic surgeons have their own age criteria, and patients should check to make sure they qualify for the surgical procedures they are seeking.

Am I too young for plastic surgery?

To have any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure at PURE, patients must be at least 18 years old. The only exception is a rhinoplasty (nose job) where we may except patients at age 16. The reason we only accept patients when they are 18 years of age or older is that we want to ensure they are physically and mentally able to undergo surgery. Surgery can be hard on the body and can be mentally challenging for even the most mature patient. The body should be fully formed and even at 18 years old, some patients are not fully developed in some areas of their bodies. We take this into consideration during the pre-surgery consultation and discuss our requirements and concerns with the patient if any arise. Any surgery on a patient younger than 18 years old is considered pediatric.

It is important for patients to be at the legal age of consent when they are undergoing plastic surgery and to make sure they meet all legal requirements for certain procedures. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved silicone implants for patients who are 22 years of age or older. Due to the regulations, patients between 18 and 22 years old will receive saline implants. Patients under the age requirement for silicone implants will have to wait until they turn the legal age.

Am I too old for plastic surgery?

Every plastic surgeon is different and age limits for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures vary so you should check with your surgeon for their age limits for certain procedures. At PURE, we require patients to be 50 years old or younger for Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries and liposuction, under 55 years of age for abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck) and breast procedures, and no older than sixty-five (65) years old for facial surgery procedures.

While the ages 50, 55, and 65 are not considered old age, the risks associated with plastic surgery rise as patients age. Our experience shows that patients over 50 years of age don’t tolerate surgery well because of the fluid shift that occurs after large liposuction surgery. This fluid shift can cause light-headedness, or a vasovagal syncope response is also known as fainting. Patients over 50 years of age have a higher incidence of hospitalization and require intravenous (IV) hydration.

What are the age requirements for procedures at PURE Plastic Surgery?

The age requirements at PURE plastic surgery vary depending on the procedure.

• Breast Augmentation: 18-55 years old
• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): 18-50 years old
• Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck): 18-55 years old
• Facial procedures (not including rhinoplasty): 18-65 years old
• Rhinoplasty (nose job): 16-65 years old
• Liposuction: 18-50 years old
• Thighplasty: 18-55 years old
• Brachioplasty: 18-55 Years old
• Mommy Makeover: 18-55 Years old

Ready for the Next Step?

If you’re considering plastic surgery and want to know whether you’re a good candidate for your chosen procedure, the first step is to sit down with one of our doctors for a personalized consultation. To schedule, call us at 305-230-4326 or contact us online.