What Age is Best for a Facelift?

Unfortunately, there is no textbook answer that reveals the “perfect” age to get a facelift. Some people feel the right time for a facelift may be in their late 30s, while others seek the procedure in their 60s or 70s. As opposed to age—the actual condition of the skin, deep connective tissue, and musculature should dictate the type and degree of facial rejuvenation that is most suitable for each individual. Typically, overall health, lifestyle, and genetics—in addition to other compounding factors, such as smoking and sun exposure—have the greatest impact on the way the face and neck age. Depending on these considerations, individuals experience the development of visible signs of aging at various rates. Some men and women age more quickly than others of the same age, resulting in a face that looks tired or aged prematurely. Ultimately, an evaluation performed by an experienced plastic surgeon is the only way to find out whether the time is right for facelift surgery.

Signs of Facial Aging Treated with Facelift Surgery

Visible signs of facial aging result from gradual loss of facial fullness and skin/tissue elasticity. Facelift surgery improves the appearance of the bottom two-thirds of the face (and neck, if neck lift techniques are incorporated) and is typically only recommended for men and women who are experiencing moderate to significant signs of aging in this region. Our experienced plastic surgeons usually suggest facelift surgery to address a combination of:

• Excess skin below the chin and jawline (jowls)
• Sagging skin along the cheeks and neck
• Deep creases and wrinkles

Using advanced facelift techniques, our plastic surgeons are able carry out a customized surgical plan designed to effectively lift and smooth targeted areas for a more youthful and natural-looking appearance.

Complementary Facial Plastic Surgery Procedures

Facelift patients with significant signs of aging in other areas of the face may benefit from a combination of facial plastic surgery procedures, such as a brow lift or eyelid lift, for more comprehensive rejuvenation. It is also common to incorporate injectable treatments to further enhance the final results of facelift surgery.

Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options

For individuals who want to look younger, but are not yet ready for facelift surgery, we offer a wide range of non-surgical options that can be ideal for addressing less significant signs of aging. The liquid facelift procedure is very popular and uses a combination of BOTOX® Cosmetic and JUVÉDERM® dermal fillers to smooth wrinkles, fill deep creases, and add volume to the face and lips. We also offer laser skin treatments at our Med-Spa—Regional Skin & Laser Center—to enhance skin quality, improve skin health, and target specific signs of skin aging.

We find the best time to consider a surgical facelift depends on your treatment goals, skin quality, health, and the visible degree of facial aging you are experiencing. If you have any questions about your facelift options, please do not hesitate to contact our office for a cosmetic consultation with one of our experienced surgeons.

Editor’s Note: This blog was originally posted in November 2017 and has been updated with new information prior to republishing.