Dr Annabel Bentley of BUPA said: 'It's not just about covering up grey hair any more.
'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.'
However, she said, over-sixties should be aware that there are some extra risks of having an operation.
'As people get older, the risks of surgery and having a general anaesthetic may increase depending on how fit you are and if you have any chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, chest problems or diabetes,' she said.
'Wound healing can be slower in elderly people as the skin gets thin pre-
ner with age. However, age alone shouldn't necessarily be a barrier to surgery and the risks for each patient need to be considered on an individual basis in consultation with a specialist doctor who is an expert in the area.'
Overall, across all age groups, BUPA said the number of cosmetic surgery operations undertaken in its hospitals grew by over 22 per
cent last year. Dr Bentley said: '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 most popular procedure overall was breast enlargement which accounted for almost a third of all the cosmetic procedures performed in its 25 hospitals.
Men typically favoured nose reshaping, eyelid reduction and correction of prominent ears.
Liposuction also became more popular among men, accounting for 13 per cent of operations, up on 2004 and compared with just six per cent in 2003.
BUPA research released last year revealed that more than 80 per cent of women think it is perfectly acceptable to have cosmetic surgery and more men than ever are considering operations to improve their looks.
Sandra Starr, who is nearly 61, had a facelift, neck-lift and eyelid surgery four weeks ago and says it has made her feel 'a million dollars'.
'Before, I looked like an old lady,' she said. 'I lost my mother three years ago and I felt I aged a lot.'
Miss Starr, from Manchester, chose her surgeon, Brian Musgrove, because of recommendations of friends who had had successful operations.
She said she felt no pain after the three-and-a-half-hour operation.
'My surgeon was absolutely brilliant. From the minute I went into the clinic I was treated like a queen and I have never seen such dedicated nursing staff.'
Miss Starr is very pleased with the result and has had lots of compliments from friends.
'When I look in the mirror I think it is absolutely fabulous,' she said. 'I did it for myself because I wanted to feel good about myself.
'I have nine years left before I am 70 and I wanted to enjoy them. I now feel I can really start living.' |
