There are many kinds of myths and misconceptions about what the “perfect” age is to start thinking about a facelift. The truth is that there are so many different variables that come into play, so there really isn’t one magic number to hit before talking to a plastic surgeon about getting a facelift.
If you are bothered by the appearance of lines, wrinkles and sagging skin and feel that your quality of life would improve with some type of facial rejuvenation treatment, use this guide to help you decide if now could be the best age for your facelift.
When to Consider a Facelift
The best candidates for a facelift will have some considerable signs of aging that are, for the most part, beyond the scope of nonsurgical treatments like injectable fillers or neurotoxins. You should also be in good physical health if you’re thinking about getting any surgical procedure.
It is also worth noting that women and men tend to age differently, so the best time for your procedure will depend on your unique skin characteristics and concerns. Women may find that they age more suddenly, usually in their 40s before and during menopause. Men, on the other hand, tend to age more gradually in their 40s, 50s and 60s. For this reason, many women in their 40s may be great candidates for a facelift, while men might be better off waiting until their 50s or 60s.
While you don’t necessarily need a facelift at the first sign of sagging skin, you also do not want to wait until your skin has aged so much that it affects the quality of your results. Plastic surgery takes years off your appearance, and the benefits are permanent. That means if a facelift take 10 years off your appearance at age 50, you may continue to look 10 years younger than a twin who had not undergone the facelift even at age 60 or 70. In some instances, a patient may seek a second facelift. A secondary facelift can be easier in some ways than the first, and provide any additional tightening patients need as they grow older.
Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation Options
If you are not quite ready for a facelift, or if you would like to explore non-surgical treatments before going the surgical route, you have plenty of options. Just a few of the top nonsurgical facial rejuvenation options to consider are:
- Injectables. Injectable fillers and BOTOX® can help to smooth away lines and wrinkles, and fillers can add volume to your cheeks and lips. Although these treatments provide temporary results, they can last for several months or more before fading away completely.
- Skin treatments. Extractions, facials, chemical peels, radiofrequency microneedling, and laser skin resurfacing can be excellent options if you are looking to minimize the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, acne scars, redness and other skin imperfections.
- Professional-grade skin care. The right skin care products can go a long way towards rejuvenating your complexion. Talk with us about the most appropriate professional-grade products for your skin type and needs.
All of these nonsurgical options can also make great compliments to your facelift to help prolong your results and maintain healthy, glowing skin.
How to Decide Which Is Right for You?
If you’re still having trouble deciding if a facelift or nonsurgical facial treatment could be right for you, schedule a consultation and learn more about your best options. After assessing your skin and understanding your goals, we can create a customized treatment plan for you.
