Senior surgery: Fighting off the golden years

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Older men and women are opting to lift, tuck and tighten to take decades off their face and bodies. Last year, more than 85,000 surgical procedures were done by plastic surgeons on baby boomers and each year that number continues to rise.

Looking beautiful and fresh faced is not just for the young anymore!

Helen Powers is a fit model.

Powers told ABC30, "A fit model is a perfect size that the fashion industry uses to make clothes saleable and fit the customer's body perfectly."

Helen has always had a perfect figure, but when she turned 60 she started seeing unwanted changes in her face.

"I noticed that the sides of my face were beginning to sag a little bit," Powers told ABC30.

Helen is among a growing number of older woman and men choosing plastic surgery.

Helen decided a facelift is for her and Neil Gordon, MD, FACS, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon of Yale School of Medicine, used a newer technique designed to give patients a more natural look.

Gordon told ABC30, "Today's facelifts are done using an underneath layer that nobody sees. That's why they are called deep place facelifts."

The most common procedures for older patients include facelifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction, breast reduction and breast lifts.

"We've taken care of people well into their 80s," Gordon told ABC30.

Powers told ABC30, "I feel outwardly as I feel inside, youthful, refreshed, more confident, I don't feel like a middle aged woman."

Now she is finally looking on the outside, how she feels on the inside.

A recent study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that Americans spend over 10 billion dollars a year on plastic surgery. If you are considering it, make sure you do your homework. Research your doctor, ask questions, and check out his or her background, also be sure to get references.

For more information, contact:

Patty Raci
Split Rock
pattyraci@gmail.com
(203) 834-7700