Age not necessarily an obstacle

Recently a 75-year-old, tall, rather attractive lady who did not look her age came into my office for a complimentary consultation. As is usually my habit, I try to guess what the patient wants before I start the interview. This patient, I surely thought, came for a face lift. A.S., as I will call her, totally surprised me by saying that she wanted a breast enlargement! I could not help thinking to myself that perhaps she was a bit demented. Why would a lady her age possibly want a breast augmentation? Even though breast augmentation is usually a very safe procedure free from complications, doing this in an elderly woman has more risks.

After I recovered from my intial shock, I found enough courage to ask her. She told me that she had just started seeing a “new fella” and he liked “boobies.” I began to explain to her that her request was highly unusual and that the risks were greater for a lady her age. She informed me that the 70s are now the new 50s, and besides she was in excellent health. I still was not convinced so I contacted her primary family doctor. He told me that as far as he was concerned she was in perfect health and of sound mind.

I saw her a second time — it is my policy to consult all my cosmetic patients again before scheduling the surgery. Sometimes you get a totally different feel for a patient during that second interview. A.S. came into the room dressed like a diva and with her British accent introduced me to her “fella.” He was a very handsome man of 30. I again was shocked. They seemed to be a very loving and supportive couple, interacting like lovers in my office. We again discussed the operation and potential problems.

She did beautifully. Minimal bleeding, no swelling and virtually no pain. I saw her once after the procedure and never again! I suppose she and her “fella” are enjoying life and he is enjoying her “boobies.”