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home  |  about Bupa  |  press releases

Over-60s turn back time with cosmetic surgery

28 May 2006

Silver surgery is booming as the older generation proves that looking good is no longer the domain of the young.

New figures from Bupa Hospitals reveal that older Britons are turning to cosmetic surgery. Nearly one in 10 people (8 percent) undergoing procedures are now over 61. And what’s more, older men are now embracing silver surgery as much as women.

Last year Bupa saw a 40 percent increase in the number of people over 61 undergoing cosmetic surgery. In 2004 there was a growth of 37 percent.

The generation gap is closing as more Britons choose to roll back the years. Top procedures for this age group are eyelid reductions (38 percent), facelifts (28 percent), and breast reduction in women (8 percent). This is closely followed by tummy tucks (6 percent), liposuction (5 percent) and an increase in breast surgery for men.

Dr Annabel Bentley, Bupa’s Assistant Medical Director said: “It’s not just about covering up grey hair anymore. With an ever-ageing population and more emphasis on trying to look our best for longer, cosmetic surgery for those in their later years is likely to become more commonplace.

“While we welcome the silver surgery generation, we always advise our patients of the increased risk involved when undergoing surgery in later life and ensure that people are equipped to make an informed decision. It is also vital that before undergoing any procedures patients are given time to consider whether the operation is appropriate for them.”

Overall, the number of cosmetic surgery operations undertaken by Bupa Hospitals for all age groups grew by over 22 percent last year. The most popular procedure overall was breast enlargement. This procedure now accounts for almost a third of all cosmetic procedures performed in Bupa’s 25 hospitals.

Following breast augmentation in popularity is eyelid reduction (blepharoplasty), tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), nose re-shaping (rhinoplasty) and breast reduction. While men favoured nose re-shaping, eyelid reduction and correction of prominent ears. Liposuction is also becoming more popular among men. The procedure now accounts for 13 percent of operations, up on 2004 and compared with just six percent in 2003.

“BUPA has seen a sharp increase in the number of people in the UK having cosmetic surgery,” said Dr Bentley. “Last year Bupa research revealed that cosmetic surgery is now a normal part of everyday life for British men and women. More than 80 percent of women now believe it is perfectly acceptable, while more men than ever are considering cosmetic surgery. A key reason for the increase is likely to be because cosmetic surgery doesn’t carry the same stigma it used to and people are happier talking about it with their friends and family.”

The 10 questions you should consider before you undertake surgery are:

  • What qualifications does the surgeon have?
  • What experience does the specialist have in performing your procedure?
  • Can you speak to some of your surgeon’s previous patients that have had the operation you are considering?
  • How many cosmetic surgery operations in total does the hospital or clinic perform each year?
  • What medical back-up facilities and staff are in place to support cosmetic surgery operations?
  • How can you best prepare for the procedure?
  • What results can usually be expected and how long will they last?
  • What are the side-effects and potential complications of the procedure?
  • How long will it take to recover and what will this involve?
  • What are the follow-up arrangements at the hospital or clinic if you have any worries or feel that your recovery is not going well?

 

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