What Is an Appropriate Age for a Facelift?

It’s a question almost as old as the facelift itself: What’s the optimal age for undergoing this surgery? I regularly hear this question from prospective facelift patients at my Boston-area practice. In this blog post, I’d like to take the time to explain why age isn’t the only factor to consider when determining a patient’s eligibility for surgery.

There are few absolutes in the world of aesthetics, and the matter of timing your surgery is no exception. Each patient is an individual, and, as such, ages in their own way and at their own pace. Your genetics and lifestyle are the 2 primary factors that determine how and when your face will show signs of aging. Lifestyle factors include smoking, unprotected sun exposure, and even recurring facial expressions. For example, if you tend to purse your lips, scowl, or squint often, you may notice lines and wrinkles developing in these areas earlier than someone else. At what age these signs of aging become unacceptable is really a matter of personal preference.

Just as patients are different, so too are facelifts. I offer both traditional full facelifts and “mini” facelifts, each customized to the patient’s unique needs. A mini facelift, sometimes called a “limited incision” facelift, may be appropriate for a younger patient who only needs a minor improvement in order to look refreshed and more youthful. On the other hand, the more complicated technique I use for a full facelift creates more significant, longer-lasting results. The correct option is largely dependent on the patient’s own goals, as well as his or her existing skin condition and rate of aging.

It’s also important to understand the power of nonsurgical treatments, such as injectables and laser resurfacing. When used on their own or together, this approach can create impressive results with very little, if any, downtime.

When you begin to feel self-conscious about sagging cheeks, jowls, drooping eyelids, or a loss of definition anywhere on your face, you have options–regardless of your age. I invite you to explore your options for surgical rejuvenation to learn more about the possibilities.