The way your facial skin appears is the number one way others will determine your age. Unfortunately, the facial skin is delicate and can age prematurely due to sun exposure, the stressors of life, environmental factors and lifestyle choices. These factors all affect your skin health and quality and may develop into unwanted conditions such as sagging, deep folds, age spots, and fine lines.
Should I get a facelift?
There is no clear-cut answer to the question, “should I get a facelift?” The decision is a personal one that takes into account the various pros and cons of cosmetic surgery. When the skin begins to look old, it can cause you to lose your self-confidence and affect how others respond to you, socially and in business. A facelift is the only procedure that is powerful enough to resolve the severe signs of aging when laser treatments and fillers are not enough. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, with over 100,000 facelifts performed every year.
Am I too old for a facelift?
While there is no right age for a facelift, your “genetic age” is the most decisive factor when it comes to considering undergoing a facelift. Smoking, diet, and sun exposure can all contribute to an accelerated “genetic age.” Generally, we find that patients who get facelifts after 40 but before 50 years old achieve long-lasting benefits. That does not mean, however, that you cannot get excellent results from a facelift if you are over 50 years of age. Speak with our board-certified plastic surgeon regarding whether you are a good candidate for a facelift. If you are in good overall health, the answer is likely, “yes.” If we have an alternative treatment that will produce the changes you want in skin quality and appearance, we will recommend what we believe to be the best options.
Am I too young for a facelift?
While it is rare for anyone under 35 to undergo a facelift, many non-surgical procedures can significantly enhance your skin quality. Facelifts are typically best for people who are living with more severe facial sagging and folds that can’t be corrected with non-surgical procedures such as laser skin resurfacing, chemical peels, neuromodulators, or fillers. The following types of non-invasive procedures may be recommended to you if you want to improve your facial skin quality but are not yet ready for a facelift:
- Restylane®, Restylane Lyft®, Restylane Silk®, Juvéderm® fillers: These dermal fillers can bring well-needed volume to an aging face in the cheeks, lips, and under your eyes. They can also smooth etched-in laugh lines (nasolabial folds) and lip lines.
- BOTOX® and Dysport®: Both BOTOX® and Dysport® can be used to smooth away wrinkles in the forehead and brow, and crow’s feet.
- Microneedling with PRP: Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling can help to improve the appearance of acne scars and skin with an uneven texture.
- Kybella®: Kybella® injections can reduce double chin fat for a more youthful facial look without surgery.
- TCA Chemical Peels: These peels improve the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.
- Dermabrasion: This treatment removes the topmost layer of skin, triggering natural skin regeneration for a younger, fresher look.
- Laser Skin Rejuvenation or CO2 Resurfacing
How long will the results of my facelift last?
How long facelift results will last depends on several factors, including your age, level of skin elasticity, and the extent of the rejuvenation needed. A full facelift can last up to 15 years, while less invasive procedures can produce an improvement in skin quality that can last for about two to six years.
