What’s the Right Age for a Facelift?

Posted on September 20, 2014 | by

Eventually, we all experience the effects of aging on our faces, some of us earlier than we would like. If you’re wondering whether you are too young for a facelift, it may be a good indication that it’s time to begin exploring your options. A well-executed facelift can help patients as young as 40 turn back the clock and maintain a refined, youthful appearance.

Don’t focus on how old you are; we all age differently

How we age is as individual to us as our fingerprints. Genetics, diet and lifestyle, and even environment all influence how young or old a person may look for his or her age. A 40-year-old with not-so-great hereditary traits or lifestyle habits may have more advanced sagging and facial wrinkles than a 50-year-old in good health who wears sunscreen daily.

Ultimately, there is no universal right age for a facelift—only the right time for you. If you are starting to see sagging of the cheeks, lower face, or neck, then it’s a good time to consider facial rejuvenation, regardless of how old you are. In fact, some of the best-looking older celebrities maintain their ageless appearance by catching these signs of aging early, before a dramatic change is required.

Having a facelift earlier in life has its advantages

The truth is, having a facelift when you are younger has many benefits. Because the skin’s elasticity and underlying tissue volume are still relatively good in your 40s, your surgeon can achieve better, more natural-looking results. Also, turning back the clock early means you’ll enjoy the results for that many more years. Younger patients also typically heal more quickly and carry fewer risk factors going into surgery.

Younger patients have more options

Taking a proactive approach to treating early signs of aging gives you a wider range of choices, allowing you to get excellent results with a less costly treatment plan.

If you are mainly bothered by early jowling around the lower cheeks and neck, a mini facelift can be an excellent option. With smaller incisions and less downtime than a full facelift, a mini facelift can still help you look years younger and even postpone your need for future treatments. Neck contouring alone may also be an option, if that area is your primary concern.

Non-surgical alternatives

Non-surgical injectables like BOTOX® or Juvéderm® are excellent for treating specific facial wrinkles, such as frown lines, crow’s feet, or marionette lines. While injectables cannot provide the lifting that comes with a surgical procedure, they are ideal for treating certain types of wrinkles. Injectables may also be used to complement surgical rejuvenation. Additionally, treating the skin’s surface with a chemical peel or physician-grade topical products can give you a more youthful glow.

If you’re unhappy with the way your face is aging, consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon is the first step. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Samaha, who can help you design the best treatment plan to meet your goals.