The anti-ageing mantra normally is that prevention as better than cure, but what about when it comes to cosmetic surgery? For those considering such procedures, is it better to wait or to act early?
In some cases, say doctors, a stitch in time could save nine, and give a better, more natural result. We spoke to four top cosmetic surgeons about which age groups are likely to get the most satisfaction from surgery.
FOREHEAD
Procedure: Botox injections
Optimum age: 32+
"The best time to start having botox is when dynamic wrinkles, caused by movement, begin to change into static, or permanent wrinkles," says Sydney cosmetic surgeon Dr Anoop Rastogi.
NOSE
Procedure: Rhinoplasty
Optimum age: 22+
Rhinoplasty should not be performed until all the bone structures have completed growth, and a person should be at an age where they can psychologically cope with the operation, usually from their early 20's.
LIPS
Procedure: Restylane injections
Optimum age: 37+
Outlining the lip margin in a natural manner with a filler, such as restylane, maintains a youthful fullness and arrests the fine lines.
FACE
Procedure: Facelift.
Optimum age: mid-facelift 42+; traditional facelift 50+
Mid-facelifts and temple lifts are popular at the younger end of the scale, while most people don't need a traditional facelift, which works on the neck and jawline, until they are past 50.
EYES
Procedure: Upper eyelids.
Optimum age: 40+
The upper eyelids are often the first part of the fact to show ageing.
Procedure: Lower lids/undereye bags.
Optimum age: 40+
Lessens the appearance of bags under the eyes.
BREASTS
Procedure: Breast implants.
Optimum age: 25+
"The breasts must be fully formed and the patient old enough to clearly understand the risks associated with the operation," says Dr Richard Barnett, spokesperson for The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Procedure: Breast reduction.
Optimum age: 18+
Breast reductions are performed on younger and older women for a variety of reasons including emotional and physical concerns.
STOMACH
Procedure: Tummy tuck.
Optimum age: 40+
It's best to wait until you've had all your children before having this operation, and is also useful for people with excess skin after severe weight loss.
HIPS AND THIGHS
Procedure: Liposcution.
Optimum age: 25+
Liposuction tends to give better results on younger skin - older skins may appear saggy once the fat is removed.
SKIN
Procedure: Laser stimulated rejuvenation.
Optimum age: 32+
The best time to have this treatment, which is much less drastic than laser resurfacing, is as soon as the first signs of sun damage appear, says its pioneer Dr Adrianna Scheibner, of the Scheibner Centre in Double Bay, NSW.
For the full story, including expert advice from leading practitioners, see the May 2004 issue of Good Medicine magazine
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