San Diego Plastic Surgeon Sees Increase in Facelifts Among Seniors

SAN DIEGO, CA, April 27, 2013 (Press-News.org) The most recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery indicate that facelifts were the most popular procedure for patients 65 and older in 2012, a trend that plastic surgeon Dr. John T. Alexander II (http://www.alexandersurgery.com) has seen echoed in his own San Diego practice as well.

"People are living longer," explains Dr. Alexander, a facelift specialist in the La Jolla area. "And they're staying active longer into their retirement years, too. It's only natural that people want their reflection to match their energy level, regardless of their age."

Patients over the age of 50 accounted for 37 percent of all cosmetic procedures performed in 2012, with the over 65 age group accounting for eight percent of that total. Facelift surgeries among 51 to 64 year olds accounted for 60.2 percent of the total facelifts performed in 2012 and were the second most popular procedure in that age group for the year. Patients over 65 accounted for an additional 24.2 percent of facelifts performed last year. The number of facelift surgeries performed last year saw a 2.5 percent increase overall from the previous year, and a 20 percent increase since 1997.

"I think by the time you reach a certain stage in life, you just think 'Well, why not?'" says Dr. Alexander, who treats men and women of all ages at his San Diego cosmetic surgery practice. "Many older Americans have more comfortable lifestyles and a more comfortable retirement income than ever before. Why not invest those resources back into themselves?"

Cosmetic procedures on the whole have also increased in recent years. From 2011 to 2012, there was a three percent increase in the total number of cosmetic surgical procedures. Between 1997 and 2012, an 80 percent increase occurred. For nonsurgical procedures, the numbers are even more impressive: minimally invasive treatments like laser procedures, injectables and skin resurfacing have enjoyed a surge of 500 percent since 1997. Total nonsurgical procedures have increased by 461 percent in that time; the total number of cosmetic procedures, both surgical and nonsurgical, has increased 250 percent.

Older adults accounted for nearly half of the total nonsurgical treatments performed in 2012. Procedures such as injectable fillers, BOTOX Cosmetic and surface treatments like laser resurfacing and chemical peels are popular options in this age group.

"Aging adults are taking a tiered approach toward cosmetic treatments," adds Dr. Alexander. "They begin with less invasive procedures at the earliest signs of aging, then gradually progressing toward surgeries such as facelifts and eyelid surgery as they near or enter retirement. I'm encouraged to see an increasing number of people making a point of looking good and feeling good well into their retirement years."

Alexander Cosmetic Surgery (http://www.alexandersurgery.com) has been San Diego's leader in facial rejuvenation and cosmetic plastic surgery since 1964. Led by father and son duo, Drs. John T. Alexander, M.D., and John T. Alexander II, M.D., F.A.C.S., J.D., the clinic has a history of patient dedication and care, while leading the way with innovative treatments such as the QuickLift procedure.