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What’s the Right Age to Undergo a Facelift Procedure?4 min read

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Phillip Chang

Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia. Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
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There are many factors to consider in determining the right age for a facelift procedure. The most important factor in choosing an age is how a patient feels about their overall appearance and specifically their skin, muscle tone, and facial features (such as the jawline). This factor will help determine if they are ready to undertake a facelift procedure.

Patients should be expected to understand the procedure’s risks and outcomes, which can vary depending on many factors. Some of these include the patient’s age, smoking status (current or past), weight (BMI), an underlying medical condition like diabetes or heart disease, use of medications like blood thinners or steroids, history of radiation treatment for another medical condition, etc.

What Is Facelift Surgery?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts loose skin and tightens the underlying tissue to improve the appearance of the face. It aims to restore youthfulness and change or maintain facial contours. There are different types of facelift surgeries, including mini-facelifts, mid-facelifts, and full facelifts. These procedures often require general anesthesia and can be costly depending on what type of procedure is needed and where it’s done.

The Right Age for a Facelift Procedure?

If you consider having a facelift procedure, it is essential to understand that your skin begins to change as you age. The elasticity of the skin decreases over time. This decrease in elasticity can lead to different problems, including increased sagging and looseness around the mouth area (also known as marionette lines). Other changes associated with aging include decreased muscle tone and volume, which can further deepen wrinkles and folds and create an aged appearance.

There are many factors to consider when choosing an age for a facelift procedure: 

  • A person who has already lost a significant amount of weight may not want their skin removed during surgery because they will lose more of their natural facial volume.
  • A person who has already undergone radiation therapy to treat another medical condition may not want to undergo surgery due to the risk of complications or an increased amount of scarring.
  • Older people tend to lose muscle tone and volume, exacerbating existing wrinkles and folds. Younger patients tend to have better results because they typically have healthier skin with minor sagging. In comparison, older patients might benefit more from lasers or chemical peels in addition to a facelift procedure.
  • People must understand that there is always a chance of having problems during surgery like an incomplete recovery, infection, bleeding, or swelling.

Facelift Age: When Should I Get One?

Patients are encouraged to undergo a facelift procedure between the ages of 30-60. However, it is essential to remember that there are no hard and fast rules for having this surgery. The right moment for a facelift procedure will depend on your circumstances, including how you feel about your overall appearance, whether or not you have already lost significant amounts of weight (which can affect skin elasticity), etc.

It’s also important to note that wrinkles sometimes develop earlier for some people than for others simply because of genetics. For example, wrinkles may start to appear as early as your late 20s or early 30s. Other factors include:

  • Sun exposure throughout life (contributing to premature aging);
  • Damage to the skin’s collagen and elastin fiber network.

You must consider all of these factors and speak with Dr. Phillip Chang, our board-certified plastic surgeon, before committing to any cosmetic surgery procedure, including a facelift. In addition, make sure you are emotionally ready to commit the time, patience, and money to this type of surgery. Ask general questions about what kind of anesthesia is typically used, how much downtime you can expect, etc. You may want to bring a relative or friend along for support during your initial consultation appointment as well.

Is 70 Too Old for a Facelift?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as each individual’s situation is unique. However, many people in their 70s find that a facelift can help them look younger and feel more confident. The important thing is to consult with us at Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center to discuss your options and decide what’s best for you.

Invitation

Would you like to know if you are an ideal candidate for a facelift procedure? We invite you to simply come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to explore whether you would make a good candidate. To find out more whether Aesthetica can help you, contact us online or at 703-729-5553 to arrange an appointment. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.

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