What are the rhinoplasty risks for a 70 year old?
I'm 70 years old and in good health, with tight skin, so I've been told that I'm a good candidate by facial plastic surgeons that I've consulted with. I'd like a non-biased opinion regarding healing time, and aesthetic outcomes in 70 year olds.
Rhinoplasty has a healing time that varies depending on what kind of changes you want to make (nasal bump, vs nasal tip, etc.), but usually the healing time is 10-14 of swelling & bruising around the eyes and mid face; the aesthetic outcome has more to do with your tissue quality and what changes you desire. This can be more thoroughly explained during an in office consultation.
Positive aesthetic outcomes are achievable in a 70 year old. One has to ask if the nose has changed over the years or if it was something you wanted to do for many years and never got around to doing it.
As we age, the tissues relax and that includes the tissues of the nose. So, the tip may appear bulkier or hanging. Some of us develop hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands (over development of the oil glands). That also can make the nose appear larger. Realistic goals can be met at any age and the healing process will not be noticeably different than somebody younger.
The aesthetic outcome is really independent of your age. The most significant consideration is your general medical health. If you are healthy, a non-smoker and not obese, your risks are quite acceptable. The aesthetic outcome will depend upon your concerns, your expectations and the advice you plastic surgeon gives you.