Never Too Old
May 14th, 2009
When my mother first approached me to have facial cosmetic surgery, I thought she was a bit off. I could not imagine a 73 year old from such a simple past wanting rejuvenation surgery. Yet she was at a critical point in her life. She had completed grieving after my father’s passing and was ready to become socially involved again. In fact, an intriguing man (her future boyfriend) had moved into the home next door to her.
There are some limitations regarding age. As we age, medical conditions seem to plague us. These medical conditions can can increase the risks of surgery. As a result of conditions due to aging, the surgery may be compromised and the medical condition is at a risk of being made worse. Fortunately for my mother, her heart problem was not serious and was well controlled with medication. Elective cosmetic surgery should not be considered when medical illnesses cannot be well controlled or they make it unsafe to have surgery.
Patients come from a variety of social, economic and cultural backgrounds. There is no typical patient. People seek out cosmetic surgery when something about their physical appearance bothers them. Interestingly, the diversity of physical conditions is surprising and particular sensitivities bother some people but not others. Physical sensitivities result form age, pregnancy, injury, surgery and medical conditions. There is no right or wrong when it comes to patient concerns.
Helping my mother acheive her rejuvenation goals in a safe manner, has taught me a lot. From my first steps, to life along the way, my mother has a provided valuable insight from her unique and seasoned perspective. Fortunately, I was eventually open to listen and learn.
What My Mother Taught Me
May 12th, 2009
Almost twenty years ago a 73 year old woman approached me regarding upper eyelid surgery. She had lost her husband some 5 years prior. Having completed her grieving, she was ready to become socially active again. I knew she had grown up during the Great Depression on a farm in western Pennsylvania. She had been a nurse while her deceased husband had been an iron worker for 30 years. Their entire life had been very frugal and simple. They had retired to Yuma, Arizona.
She had a minor heart condition and needed cataract surgery. I didn’t believe cosmetic surgery was “right” for her, so I insisted she proceed with cataract surgery. She completed cataract surgery in both her eyes, following all the after-care instructions. In the interim, she began talking about not only eyelid surgery but also face lift, forehead lift and lip chemical peels. She finally insisted on having cosmetic surgery after I had deflected her request some three years earlier. Now she wanted it all, if I didn’t do it she would go elsewhere!
I took her aside and said, “Mother, I think I understand. Here is what we can do and it will take some time.” Over the next year or two my mother had the works, one procedure at a time. She is now 93 years old and has been sharing her life with a younger man (85 years old) for the past 19 years. It was having a new man her her life that had kindled her desire to ditch the wrinkles. She not only looked younger, but she also had a renewed interest in living life.
This experience taught me many things. Age is a relative term and it is unclear why something starts to bother us, when it hasn’t been an issue before. Life changes may contribute to embracing new perspectives and perhaps lead to actively seeking some type of transformation. You are never too old to want to look your best!
Follow Us!
