Dr. Dan Shell on Aging Gracefully — and Healthfully

Everyone knows that as we age, our bodies will change; however, the process does not have to occur at the same rate over the decades.
The older we become, the faster we age.
There are many nonsurgical and surgical ways to improve your appearance and alter the aging process. Plastic surgeons have comprehensive knowledge of the ways our skin and bodies change over time and the best methods to enhance and preserve appearance at any age.
There is no “one size fits all” approach to enhance and preserve your appearance at any age. We all have different personal, social, and physical considerations at each stage of life. With these considerations in mind, my advice as a physician is to carefully weigh the many options available under the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Teenage Angst
In the teenage years, physical differences such as prominent noses, protruding ears and skin disorders may affect self confidence. Popular procedures in this age group include nose reshaping, correction of ear prominence and medical grade skin care.
As we reach our twenties and enter the working world, procedures such as breast enhancement, nose reshaping and skin care become popular.
In our thirties, we begin to notice lines and curves in our face and additional weight gain in areas that are difficult to reverse with diet and exercise. The cumulative effect of sun damage and tanning in earlier years begins to manifest and we notice stretching and drooping of the skin in the abdomen and breasts. This is the time when injection therapies such as Botox and fillers are used to treat forehead frowns and laugh lines. These procedures are much more effective when used in conjunction with comprehensive medical grade skin care. Surgical procedures to lift or enhance the appearance of the breasts, tighten the abdomen, and contour the hips are very popular in this age group.
Mid-Life Options
As we enter mid-life (40’s-mid 50’s), we focus on maintaining our health and appearance through exercise and embrace a healthy lifestyle. Injection therapy with Botox and fillers help reduce the signs of aging. Eyelid and brow-lift surgery help rejuvenate the face. Liposuction and/or tummy tuck are often used to complement our exercise regime and to address areas which may be difficult to improve with diet and exercise.
Surgical facial rejuvenation becomes the focus of our attention as we approach the mid fifties to mid sixties age range. Age-related changes to the face result in less of a jaw line definition and volume in our cheeks. Surgical procedures such as face- and neck-lift surgery help restore youthful fullness to our cheeks and natural jaw line definition.
As we approach sixties and beyond, procedures such as face- and neck-lift as well as eyelid surgery remain very popular. These procedures are often used to build on previous cosmetic procedures.
It cannot be emphasized enough that patient safety is the highest priority in choosing which procedure is appropriate for an individual patient. A board-certified plastic surgeon has the appropriate training and guidelines to advise patients on how to choose the right and safe course of action depending on age, needs and goals. Please ensure that your plastic surgeon is board certified by checking with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (www.plasticsurgery.org).
For more information about plastic surgery, please visit www.ShellPlasticSurgery.com or call 662-236-6465 to set up a consultation with Dan H. Shell IV, MD., FACS.
A second-generation surgeon, Dr. Shell is highly skilled and trained at both cosmetic plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery. He is highly experienced in breast reconstruction for breast cancer survivors and lectures frequently on the latest breakthroughs in this in-demand practice area. Dr. Shell is an Ole Miss grad who lives in Oxford with his wife Mary Anna and two boys.