Whether you’re booking up BOTOX appointments or heading off for a microdermabrasion treatment, your age plays an important role in the results of your procedure. That’s what experts at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conference explained during a discussion about cosmetic surgery for aging skin in 2007, shedding some light on how each decade in life correlates to dramatically different results in most patients.   

Procedures that are appropriate for someone in their 50s may have an adverse affect on someone in their 30s – and vice versa. Every stage of life has different needs, whether its sagging skin, acne treatments or wrinkle removal. Plastic surgeons at the conference explained that bone structure, facial configuration and the decade of life were critical factors in the treatment selection process (Source: medicalnewstoday).  

According to the ASPS, “Over an individual’s lifetime, there may be various stages at which cosmetic surgical or nonsurgical enhancements can improve the quality of life. Procedures may be spaced at intervals of a few years, a decade or more – depending on the individual’s goals” (Source: Surgery.org). The initial consultation with the plastic or cosmetic surgeon will determine which treatment is best for you, but expert surgeons have identified the following key procedures for every stage of life:  

Plastic and Cosmetic Procedures in Your 30s  

BOTOX: BOTOX injections effectively remove wrinkles in the forehead by ‘freezing’ the muscles in place. BOTOX can also be administered around the eyes to get rid of crow’s feet, but ongoing treatments are required to maintain results.  

Tummy Tuck: A body contouring procedure that helps you get rid of excess fat around the waist for a flat, tight and toned abdomen. This is an extensive surgery that completely contours the torso for a sleek and attractive look.  

Dermal Fillers: Injectable fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm and Sculptra can decrease laugh lines, plump up the lips and reduce the appearance of hollowed areas of the face.  If your skin is beginning to sag or wrinkle, both hylauronic acid and collagen fillers can serve as ‘plumpers’ to create a more youthful appearance.  

Plastic and Cosmetic Procedures in Your 40s  

Lipoplasty for the Face and Body:  Liposuction of the face can remove excess fat and skin around the neck and cheeks, while liposuction of the body can get rid of stubborn fatty deposits that are not responding to diet and exercise.  

Vein Therapy: Spider veins can be effectively removed with laser vein therapy treatments, and some surgical procedures can correct painful varicose veins that may have developed at this age.  

Microdermabrasion or Facial Rejuvenation: Buff away wrinkles and fine lines with regular microdermabrasion sessions, or try a facial rejuvenation procedure such as laser skin resurfacing to increase collagen production and create a more youthful look.  

Plastic and Cosmetic Procedures in Your 50s  

Facelift: A facelift helps to remove excess fat and tighten up loose skin for a more youthful and attractive appearance. If you’re not ready for the comprehensive facelift surgery, a mini facelift can provide similar results with only a few incisions.  

Eyelid Surgery: An eyelid lift can remove extra skin folds around the eyes and improve the contours of the upper facial area. Eyelid surgery can quickly ‘perk up’ the eye area for a more youthful look.  

Plastic and Cosmetic Procedures in Your 60s  

Body Contouring: Removing excess fat and cellulite with a body lift, liposculpture or other cellulite reduction treatments can help you take years off your appearance. If your body is not responding to diet and exercise, body contouring can help you achieve lasting results.  

Facelift: A simple way to get rid of wrinkles around the eyes, tighten loose skin and smooth out the contours of the face, a facelift can help you achieve a more youthful appearance and provides a dramatic change for your makeover.  

Making sure you’re pursuing plastic or cosmetic surgery for the right reasons – being self-motivated for positive change, improving your lifestyle with an enhanced sense of self-esteem, and making sure the surgery isn’t an attempt to ‘fix’ something negative in your life – is also an essential part of the decision-making process. If you think you’re ready for the latest antiaging treatment, liposuction or a head-to-toe makeover, check with an plastic or cosmetic surgeon in your area to determine if the procedure really is the best match for your age.  

Learn more about cosmetic surgery procedures and plastic surgery treatments in our information guide, or set up a consultation with a professional in your area to find out if you really are ready for the change.