Aesthetic Treatments Gain Popularity Among Israel's Elderly, Reaching Six-Figure Costs
Sandra Sadeh, a celebrated Israeli actress soon to turn 77, shares her ongoing journey with aesthetic treatments, including multiple facial surgeries and upcoming neck surgery approved by plastic surgeon Prof. Eyal Gur. She emphasizes the emotional uplift these procedures provide, helping her maintain her acting career and self-confidence.
Dr. Lahavit Akerman, a dermatologist specializing in aesthetic medicine, notes a growing trend of patients aged 70 and above seeking treatments to look and feel better, often to remain comfortable in younger work environments or social settings. She highlights that both women and men, including an 80-year-old divorced man aiming to start anew, invest significantly in these procedures.
The aesthetic industry in Israel is expanding rapidly among seniors, with treatments evolving from facial surgeries to holistic approaches involving injections, laser therapies, and skin rejuvenation for the neck, hands, and other body parts. Prices for these treatments range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of shekels, sometimes reaching six figures for extensive care.
Experts like Dr. Akhi Friedman and Dr. Sivan Mercer stress the importance of realistic expectations, noting that aesthetic treatments improve appearance but cannot reverse aging or erase all wrinkles. They advocate for natural-looking results that align with the patient's personality and age.
Elderly patients like 80-year-old Nahama Shorak and 79-year-old Riva Streifler testify to the psychological benefits of aesthetic care, linking improved appearance to enhanced self-esteem and quality of life. However, caution is advised regarding treatment costs and the necessity of clear, written treatment plans to avoid unexpected expenses.
Clinical psychologist Iris Kleinman discusses the complex emotional dynamics of aging, including acceptance and ambivalence toward bodily changes. She observes that while some seniors avoid mirrors or overindulge in treatments, many learn to embrace their evolving appearance with dignity.
Overall, aesthetic medicine is becoming an integral part of life for many Israeli seniors, offering them tools to age with vitality and confidence while navigating the balance between appearance and inner well-being.
