The cosmetic surgery industry is booming, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Baby booming, that is.

According to the ASPS, baby boomers are seeking out face-lifts, chin implants, brow-lifts and hair transplants in hopes of regaining their youth – or attract a mate.

The number of cosmetic procedures performed on individuals age 55 and older rose in 2018 over 2017, according to the organization’s annual report.

The reason?

“Many senior adults are staying more active and living life – and they want to look younger, too,” said Dr. Mayli Davis, a Colleyville, Texas, ophthalmologist.

One procedure in particularly high demand with baby boomers is the blepharoplasty eyelid-lift surgery. More than half of the blepharoplasty surgeries performed in 2018 were on those age 55 and up.

The procedure is designed to remove unwanted skin and excess tissue and fat from the upper eyelid.

“Over time, excess fat and tissue can pull down the eyelids, causing the eyes to look tired and older,” Davis said.

In many cases, excess fat and tissue can cause significant drooping of the eyelids, which can also impede vision in addition to affecting aesthetics.

“Excess fat and tissue around the eye can affect the peripheral vision, making things like driving difficult or dangerous,” Davis said.

Among those 55 and older, the most popular procedures were hair transplants (up 18 percent over 2017), lip-augmentation procedures (up 5 percent), and Botox injections and dermal fillers (up 3 percent).

Other popular cosmetic procedures among baby boomers included liposuction and breast-implant augmentation, which increased by 4 percent.

Another popular procedure among this demographic is the face-lift surgery. According to the ASPS, 60 percent of all face-lifts are performed on individuals 55 and older.

In addition to wanting to look better, boomers are also just taking better care of themselves.

“People want to match how they feel and how they look,” Davis said.

Society has also affected how baby boomers feel about their appearance.

“More and more people every year are on social media, and many older adults who are single or divorced or widowed are seeking out mates on dating apps,” Davis said.

These factors are driving the demand for cosmetic procedures.

So are changes in the U.S. job market.

“Individuals are changing jobs at a faster rate than they have before, so making a first impression is a big deal,” Davis said.

Source: UPI. More baby boomers opting for cosmetic surgery. 20 June 2019.