“Doc I am thinking about getting a face lift.” Jane was treated for cancer four years ago and is in for a check up and doing well. “The cancer took a toll on me. I don’t even recognize myself. I saw a plastic surgeon and she recommended a partial face and neck lift, brow lift, blepharoplasty, fat injections and cheek enhancement”. Wow. Of course I ask the obvious question, “Jane are you going into witness protection?”
While Jane’s plan seems rather extreme, recently I am seeing patients choose less invasive procedures even trending toward a more natural look. Just last week the NIH reported an increase in breast cancer with permanent hair dyes and straighteners. Expect to see more grey heads. Its important to always consider the risk/benefit ratio. General anesthesia for radical procedures, while very safe, can have side effects. As we age, we will require some healthcare, but we should protect our brains from insult whenever possible. After a certain point (say 70) we should more carefully consider any elective procedures.
POCD (postoperative cognitive decline) following general anesthesia is a real phenomenon especially in people with heart and lung disease, stroke, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. At 73 Jane already has “senior moments” and may want to reconsider her aggressive plan.
All procedures have some risk. Personally, I tried Botox to erase a frown line that can send a message of concern to patients even when I have good news. Unfortunately my eyebrow dropped (a rare complication). My internist said, “Joanne we should test you for myasthenia gravis with that eye droop”. A pulmonologist friend told me to get a chest x-ray looking for a Pancoast lung tumor that causes ptosis (droopy eye), A neurologist said “I know you are healthy but could you have had a stroke?” It took six long months to revert to normal and the frown was still there.
“Jane, I will support your decision but be sure you are well informed. Perhaps you could start with less invasive procedures and injectables that do not require anesthesia, it may be just enough to refresh you.”
My best advice is to guard your overall wellness, even while you may seek physical or cosmetic improvements. The spirited, clear, happy mind behind your beautiful eyes is what matters most. Wonderful youth enhancers readily available with no down time or recovery include a quick smile, joyful demeanor, sparkle in the eyes even with laugh lines and rosy cheeks from exercise. People will not notice your wrinkles if you listen and give them attention. Let your glow from within project a youthful mind and vitality. Trust me, you look Marvelous!