If we think of the type of people who resort to cosmetic surgery, career men and women in their 30s and 50s come to mind. People who want to improve their physical appearance, correct defects, eliminate a few wrinkles or a few extra kilos.

In reality, however, recent studies reveal an increase in the use of cosmetic surgery in the over-55s and even the over-70s. it is a trend that is especially noticeable in the United States where, already a couple of years ago, there was a 24% increase in the over-65s undergoing cosmetic surgery compared to the previous year.

The elderly are reinventing old age and we are thus seeing an increase in patients requesting cosmetic surgery even after the age of 70. The only brake many people put on themselves is the fear that surgery is more dangerous at a certain age. And indeed, complications can exist and increase beyond a certain age. The problems these people face most are haematomas that are difficult to reabsorb, infections, and problems with wound healing.

In Italy, too, there has been a shift in the age of patients undergoing cosmetic surgery with, in particular, an increase in women over 70. The most popular operations are all anti-ageingones such as filler, Botox or blepharoplasty, but there are also those who prefer to opt for abdominoplasty or liposuction.

But what is behind this race against time and, above all, is it possible to win it? Underneath there are often wrong and, to say the least, unattainable models imposed by unrealistic beauty standards. But sometimes it is also about wanting to give yourself a second chance, trying to start somewhere new, starting with yourself. These are people over 70 who are willing to take the risks of unnecessary surgery in order to regain some of their lost youth.

But where can one get there? One can get to feeling better, to feeling good about oneself. To face this phase of life as serenely as possible with the knowledge that you cannot cheat time, but you can try to live it to the fullest.

And in any case, when undergoing cosmetic surgery, but even more so in these cases, it is important to carefully weigh up all the risks/benefits before making any decisions about it, to undergo a careful and thorough check-up first, and always rely on specialised professionals.