Facelifts can be an effective way to reduce the signs of aging, help you feel better about your looks, and give you a renewed sense of confidence. They remain one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery. Most people who are interested in a facelift often wonder about the optimal time to have one. Some think the results will not be as effective if they are too young. Others are concerned that it might not be worth the money to have a facelift once they reach a certain age. So how do you know when the timing is right?
Age Is Just A Number
Your age does give some big clues about what type of facelift might be right for you, but there is no magic number when it comes to having a facelift. Genetics play a big role in how people age and certain skin types often age quicker than others. Those with oilier skin might be able to wait until later in life for a facelift since their skin naturally has better lubrication and hydration. Those with lighter skin often develop finer lines and wrinkles at a quicker rate than those with darker skin. Your lifestyle also plays a big role in how you age. People who smoke or excessively drink often age at quicker rates than people who do not. The aging process is usually accelerated in patients who have been exposed to large amounts of pollution or work in an area with exposure to certain harsh or hazardous substances. All of these factors contribute to different aging timelines.
35-40 Years Old
The vast majority of people do not need a facelift around this age, but more adults are taking an interest in having one done earlier in life. There are a few procedures that people ages 35-40 can do to maintain a youthful image. Minor wrinkles or skin laxity can often be treated by customized dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm. Cosmetic fillers can often be inserted in under an hour and require little to no recovery time. Some also opt for lasers or fat grafting to help fill out areas on the face or reduce the number of sunspots.
40+ Years Old
Patients who get a facelift during their 40s often get the best results from the procedure. At this age, a SMAS or Deep Plane facelift is usually the most effective since both require fewer revisions than other types of facelifts. These types of facelifts are great for lifting mild to moderate sagging skin jowls and for repairing mild skin laxity. Mini-facelifts are also a popular procedure for people in this age range since they are not as invasive as traditional ones.
50-60 Years Old
Older patients are usually best served with a traditional facelift that incorporates lifting and repositioning of skin and tissue. This helps restore a youthful appearance and is perfect if you have sagging cheeks and deep lines on the face. Going through an initial facelift also makes it much easier for a plastic surgeon to carry out an effective “refresh” facelift. Older patients often find a refresh facelift an effective way to keep looking youthful as some of the effects of a traditional facelift start to fade.
70+ Years Old
A growing number of people choose to get a facelift in their 70s. The best results are often a traditional facelift in conjunction with fillers or fat transfer, so the skin has a balanced look. However, patients need to be in good health both physically and mentally before a facelift procedure. At this age, other health conditions might become a pertinent topic of conversation, so it is important to give a detailed account of your medical history and concerns to your plastic surgeon before scheduling a facelift.
Your Consultation With Dr. Matt Hershcovitch, Facial Plastic Surgery
A good plastic surgeon understands how the aging process is different for everyone and will be able to personalize the procedure based on your age. At the office of Dr. Matt Hershcovitch, we have worked with patients of all ages and will be able to evaluate your situation and tell you if a facelift would be able to impact your appearance. Schedule a consultation with our team today if you are interested in a facelift. We look forward to working with you!
Contact us today or call 818-888-7878
