Aging Beautifully: Why More Americans Are Choosing Plastic Surgery in Their Golden Years

By John L. Burns, Jr., MD, FACS | Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon | Dallas, Texas

Medically reviewed by John L. Burns Jr., MD, FACS · Board-certified plastic surgeon · Dallas, Texas · Updated November 2026

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Who says getting older means giving up on looking your best?

Recent plastic surgery trends highlight a remarkable shift in aesthetic plastic surgery. Americans are living longer, remaining active well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond, and increasingly choosing plastic surgery to maintain their appearance.

According to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), cosmetic procedures among adults aged 66 and older increased an astonishing 24% in 2025—the largest year-over-year increase of any age group.

This represents a fundamental change in how Americans view aging.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, I find this trend both exciting and understandable. Many of my patients in their 60s and 70s are healthier, more active, and more engaged in life than ever before. They exercise regularly, travel frequently, maintain active social lives, and have no intention of allowing their age to define how they look or feel.

And increasingly, they want their appearance to reflect that same energy and vitality.

The new philosophy of aging isn't about looking 30 again. It's about looking exceptional at 60, 70, and beyond.

The Numbers: Plastic Surgery After 65 Is Booming

The latest ASPS statistics reveal a remarkable increase in aesthetic procedures among older Americans.

Some of the most interesting findings include:

• 24% increase in cosmetic procedures among adults 66 and older, the largest growth of any age group.
• 13% increase in facelifts nationally.
• 39% increase in facial fat grafting, reflecting growing interest in natural volume restoration.
• Liposuction remains America's most popular cosmetic surgery for the fifth consecutive year.
• Breast lifts, neck lifts, arm lifts, and thigh lifts are also experiencing increased interest.

These statistics challenge the assumption that plastic surgery is primarily for younger women.

In fact, many older patients are becoming some of the most sophisticated consumers of aesthetic medicine. They understand what they want, have realistic goals, and often have the time and resources to invest in themselves.

For many patients, retirement is no longer the beginning of slowing down. It's the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Plastic Surgery After 60: Options at a Glance

The right procedure depends on what has changed and what you want to improve. This summary of plastic surgery for older patients draws on the sections below.

1. The Modern Facelift: Natural Rejuvenation Without Looking Pulled

Facelift surgery remains one of the most popular procedures among patients in their 60s and 70s.

However, the modern facelift looks very different from the overly tight, artificial results that were sometimes associated with older techniques.

Today, the emphasis is on natural facial rejuvenation that restores youthful anatomy without changing a patient's identity.

In my Dallas practice, I frequently perform deep-plane facelifts and neck lifts to address the structural changes that occur with aging.

As we age, several changes occur simultaneously:

• Facial tissues descend, creating jowls and deep folds.
• The jawline loses definition.
• Skin becomes thinner and less elastic.
• The neck develops loose skin and muscle banding.
• Facial fat decreases, creating hollow areas in the cheeks and temples.

A deep-plane facelift addresses the deeper supporting structures of the face, allowing us to reposition descended tissues rather than simply pulling the skin tighter.

The result is a more youthful jawline, smoother cheeks, and improved facial proportions without an obviously operated appearance.

My philosophy is simple:

The best facelift is one that nobody recognizes as a facelift. You should look refreshed, rested, and naturally younger—not different.

For older patients, this is particularly important. We want to preserve their unique facial characteristics while restoring the youthful contours that have gradually changed over time.

Learn more about facelift surgery in Dallas with Dr. Burns, or read the ASPS overview of facelift surgery.

2. Facial Fat Grafting: One of the Fastest-Growing Procedures in America

One of the most remarkable findings in the Allure article is the enormous popularity of facial fat grafting.

The ASPS reported a 39% increase in facial fat grafting procedures, making it one of the fastest-growing areas of aesthetic plastic surgery.

This trend makes perfect sense.

Facial aging is not simply a problem of loose skin. It is also a problem of lost volume.

Even after a beautifully performed facelift, some patients may continue to have hollow temples, flattened cheeks, or deep facial folds caused by fat loss.

Fat grafting allows us to restore these areas using the patient's own fat.

I frequently combine facial fat grafting with facelift surgery because the two procedures complement each other beautifully.

A facelift repositions descended tissue, while fat grafting restores lost volume.

In my practice, I use specialized fat-processing techniques to prepare microfat and nanofat for different facial applications.

Common treatment areas include the temples, cheeks, brow, midface, nasolabial folds, and areas around the mouth.

The objective is not to overfill the face. Instead, we carefully restore volume to recreate softer, more youthful facial proportions.

For a closer look at precision placement, read about ultrasound-guided fat grafting in Dallas.

The Future: Facial Fat Restoration Without Liposuction

An exciting emerging development is the use of donor-derived adipose tissue products for facial rejuvenation.

Products such as dermaClae, which is being developed for facial applications, may eventually allow selected patients to restore facial volume without undergoing traditional liposuction to harvest their own fat.

This could be especially useful for older patients with limited body fat or those who prefer an office-based procedure.

Although these technologies are promising, their long-term results and ideal applications are still being evaluated.

3. The GLP-1 Effect: Weight Loss Is Changing Plastic Surgery

Another major factor is the remarkable popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

Medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have transformed medical weight management.

Many patients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s are achieving substantial weight loss, often improving their overall health and mobility.

However, significant weight loss can also produce aesthetic changes.

When patients lose a large amount of weight, they frequently experience:

• Loose abdominal skin
• Deflated or sagging breasts
• Loss of facial volume
• Excess skin along the upper arms
• Skin laxity around the thighs
• Flattening of the buttocks

Weight loss reduces fat volume, but the skin does not always retract adequately, particularly in older patients whose skin has lost elasticity.

This creates a growing demand for body contouring procedures designed to remove excess skin and restore shape.

When the change shows most in the face, see treatments for Ozempic face.

Tummy Tucks and Advanced Body Contouring

For patients with loose abdominal skin following weight loss, a tummy tuck can be transformative.

In my practice, I frequently combine abdominoplasty with VASER high-definition liposuction to contour the waist and abdomen.

When appropriate, I also use Renuvion skin tightening and corset-style muscle plication to refine abdominal contours and restore support.

For patients with more extensive skin laxity, an extended or circumferential tummy tuck may be necessary.

The goal is to create a smoother, more proportionate body contour that complements the patient's weight-loss accomplishments.

Arm Lifts and Thigh Lifts

Loose skin along the arms and thighs is another common concern after significant weight loss.

In selected patients, liposuction with skin tightening may improve mild laxity. However, when excess skin is substantial, surgical removal is often the most effective approach.

Arm lifts and thigh lifts can improve contours and help clothing fit more comfortably.

The key is choosing the procedure that addresses the actual anatomical problem rather than relying on liposuction alone.

4. Breast Surgery After 60: A Completely Different Set of Goals

One of the most interesting developments in my practice is the increasing number of women over 60 seeking breast surgery.

However, their goals are often different from those of younger patients.

Many women who underwent breast augmentation decades earlier are now reconsidering their implants.

Perhaps the implants that once seemed ideal now feel too large or heavy.

Other women are experiencing breast sagging, loss of volume, or changes in breast shape following menopause and weight fluctuations.

Some simply want smaller, lighter, more proportionate breasts.

Fortunately, modern breast surgery provides numerous options.

Breast Implant Downsizing

For women who want to maintain breast volume but prefer a smaller size, implant exchange can be an excellent option.

I frequently combine downsizing with a breast lift to remove excess skin and restore a more youthful shape.

Breast Implant Removal

Some patients decide that they no longer want implants.

Implant removal can be combined with a breast lift to improve breast shape using the patient's natural tissue.

Dr. Burns covers this decision in depth in breast implant removal after 60.

Breast Lift With or Without Implants

For women with significant breast sagging, a breast lift can reposition the nipples, remove excess skin, and reshape the breasts.

Some patients want additional fullness using a small implant or fat transfer. Others prefer a completely natural result without implants.

There is no single correct solution.

The best breast surgery after 60 is the procedure that matches your current lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic goals—not the goals you had 30 years ago.

5. Liposuction Remains America's Most Popular Cosmetic Surgery

According to the ASPS statistics, liposuction continues to be the most frequently performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States.

For older adults, liposuction can be particularly useful for addressing localized fat deposits that remain despite a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Common treatment areas include the waist, abdomen, flanks, back, arms, and thighs.

However, one important consideration in older patients is skin elasticity.

Removing fat without addressing loose skin can sometimes create additional irregularity or laxity.

For this reason, I frequently evaluate whether liposuction should be combined with skin tightening or a skin excision procedure.

Advanced technologies such as VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction and Renuvion may offer additional contouring options for appropriately selected patients.

Ultimately, the best results depend on choosing the right procedure for the patient's tissue quality.

6. The New Era of Undetectable Plastic Surgery

One of my favorite trends is the growing preference for natural, understated results.

Today's patients are increasingly moving away from the exaggerated aesthetic trends of the past.

Instead, they want to look like themselves—only refreshed.

This philosophy is especially relevant for patients in their 60s and 70s.

A beautiful facelift should not make someone look artificially tight.

Facial fat grafting should restore youthful fullness without creating an overfilled face.

Breast surgery should create attractive proportions rather than excessive size.

Body contouring should enhance the patient's natural figure.

The goal of modern plastic surgery is not transformation for the sake of transformation. It is restoration.

In my practice, I frequently emphasize the concept of undetectable plastic surgery.

When performed well, the results should appear natural enough that friends and family notice how good someone looks without necessarily recognizing that surgery was performed.

See real outcomes in the before-and-after gallery.

7. Nonsurgical Rejuvenation: Looking Great Without Surgery

Not every patient in their golden years wants or needs surgery.

Many patients can benefit from customized nonsurgical treatments designed to improve skin quality, facial contours, and overall appearance.

At Jola Aesthetics, our physician-directed medical spa, we offer a variety of treatments that can complement surgical rejuvenation or provide meaningful improvement on their own.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing can improve fine lines, sun damage, pigmentation, acne scars, and uneven skin texture.

Modern fractional CO2 technology allows us to customize treatment intensity according to the patient's skin type, recovery preferences, and degree of photoaging.

XERF Radiofrequency Skin Tightening

XERF uses radiofrequency energy to heat deeper tissues and stimulate collagen remodeling.

It can be used for selected patients seeking nonsurgical improvement in facial and neck skin firmness.

Although it cannot replace a facelift in patients with significant skin laxity, it may be a valuable option for mild to moderate concerns.

Botox and Dermal Fillers

Neuromodulators can soften expression lines, while carefully selected dermal fillers can restore localized volume.

For older patients, I generally favor conservative treatment that maintains natural facial movement and avoids unnecessary fullness.

Customized Skincare

A personalized skincare regimen remains essential at every age.

Daily sun protection, appropriate retinoids, antioxidants, and medical-grade skincare can help maintain skin health and support the results of aesthetic procedures.

8. Are You Ever Too Old for Plastic Surgery?

One of the most common questions I hear from older patients is:

"Am I too old to have plastic surgery?"

The answer is that chronological age alone does not determine whether someone is a good candidate.

I have seen patients in their 70s who are exceptionally fit, active, and healthy.

Conversely, younger patients may have medical conditions that increase surgical risk.

What matters most is overall health, medical history, physical conditioning, realistic expectations, and the complexity of the planned procedure.

Before surgery, we carefully evaluate cardiovascular health, medications, nutritional status, smoking history, previous surgeries, and other relevant factors.

For older patients, I also pay particular attention to anesthesia planning, surgical duration, mobility, and postoperative support.

Sometimes a shorter procedure or staged approach is preferable to combining multiple operations.

Patients taking blood thinners or medications for diabetes and weight management may require additional coordination with their prescribing physicians.

At our private accredited surgical facility, we emphasize appropriate patient selection, experienced anesthesia providers, and careful postoperative monitoring.

Age should not automatically prevent someone from pursuing aesthetic surgery, but safety must always take priority.

Planning Plastic Surgery After 60 in Dallas: Step by Step

Based on the safety priorities above, this is how planning typically unfolds for older patients. Each plan is individualized, and timelines are estimates set at consultation.

Risks to discuss

Every operation carries risk, regardless of age. General risks of cosmetic surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots, anesthesia complications, poor wound healing, asymmetry, contour irregularities, changes in sensation and the possible need for revision. Your individual risks depend on your health and the procedures planned, and Dr. Burns reviews them with you before surgery.

Cost and financing

The cost of plastic surgery after 60 depends on the procedures, whether they are combined or staged, anesthesia and facility fees. Your personal quote is provided at consultation.

Dr. Burns sees patients at 9201 N. Central Expressway, Suite 350, in Dallas, and out-of-town patients can begin with an online consultation. Read patient reviews from Dallas–Fort Worth patients of every age.

9. Why More Patients Are Choosing Surgery Later in Life

I believe there are several reasons this trend will continue.

First, Americans are living longer and remaining active later in life.

Second, aesthetic procedures are more openly discussed and socially accepted than ever before.

Third, many patients finally have the time and financial resources to focus on themselves after decades devoted to careers, children, and family responsibilities.

And fourth, modern techniques offer more individualized treatment options than in previous generations.

A woman in her late 60s today may be traveling internationally, exercising regularly, enjoying an active social life, and planning for decades of meaningful experiences.

She may feel energetic and youthful, even if certain aspects of her appearance no longer reflect that vitality.

For many patients, plastic surgery is simply another way to maintain their quality of life and personal confidence.

10. Aging Beautifully Is About Looking Like the Best Version of Yourself

After more than 25 years in aesthetic plastic surgery, I have learned that the most satisfied patients are not necessarily those who undergo the most dramatic procedures.

They are the patients whose results align with their personalities, lifestyles, and individual goals.

For someone in their 60s, that might mean a natural deep-plane facelift and neck lift.

For another patient, it may involve downsizing breast implants and performing a lift.

For someone who has lost a significant amount of weight, it might mean removing excess abdominal skin or restoring lost facial volume.

And for others, nonsurgical treatments and good skincare may be exactly what they need.

There is no universally ideal age to pursue plastic surgery, and there is certainly no age at which someone must stop caring about their appearance.

Growing older is inevitable. How we choose to age is increasingly personal.

The Bottom Line: Your Golden Years Can Be Your Best Years

Older Americans are redefining what it means to age gracefully.

They are embracing healthy lifestyles, remaining active, and increasingly choosing aesthetic treatments that help them look as vibrant as they feel.

The remarkable 24% increase in cosmetic procedures among adults aged 66 and older demonstrates that this is much more than a passing trend.

In my opinion, the future of plastic surgery is not about chasing youth at any cost.

It is about restoring natural anatomy, maintaining proportion, and helping patients feel confident throughout every stage of life.

You don't have to look 30 at 70. You can look absolutely amazing at 70.

And with today's advanced surgical techniques, individualized treatment plans, and emphasis on natural results, there have never been more options to help patients achieve that goal.

Why patients choose Dr. Burns for plastic surgery after 60

Plastic surgery for older patients: frequently asked questions

The takeaway

Plastic surgery after 60 is no longer unusual; adults 66 and older posted the largest increase in cosmetic procedures of any age group in 2025. Age alone does not decide candidacy; your health, goals and the right plan do. Whether that means a natural deep-plane facelift, fat grafting, body contouring, breast revision or nonsurgical care, the aim is restoration, not transformation.

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Sources: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Plastic Surgery Statistics 2025; American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Facelift. Procedure statistics as reported by ASPS. Recovery and planning details are estimates and vary by patient and procedure. This article is for education and is not medical advice. Individual results vary.