What is the Best Age for a Facelift?

Good skincare and non-surgical treatments can manage signs of aging for many years. If you reach a point where you no longer see the desired results with these treatments, you may choose to consider surgical options. A facelift can tighten your skin and underlying fat to restore a more youthful appearance.

What is a Facelift?

A facelift is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin to smooth lines and wrinkles, restore volume and shape to the cheeks, and correct sagging. This procedure works for men and women, although the focus areas may differ based on facial structure and skin thickness. A facelift is a customizable procedure. Your surgeon can modify it to target different areas of concern.

How Does a Facelift Work?

During a facelift, your surgeon makes incisions hidden around your ears and behind your hairline. A facelift removes any excess skin and fat to correct the appearance of sagging skin and fat, especially around the jaw and neck. It also tightens the skin to remove lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. When healed, your scars will become nearly invisible, and you will look dramatically younger and more refreshed. A facelift combines well with other procedures such as a neck or brow lift for complete facial rejuvenation.

What is the Best Age for a Facelift?

The best age for a facelift is different for everyone. Factors that affect when you have a facelift may include:

Less noticeable results from non-surgical treatments
Skin laxity that gives the face a sagging appearance
Significant lines and wrinkles
Your feelings about your appearance
Your willingness to undergo surgery and recovery time
The condition of your skin
Your aging process

People generally choose a facelift between their 40’s and 70’s. Some people may have a facelift in their 30’s, especially if they feel like they have troubling signs of aging. Keep in mind that you will continue to age after your facelift, so if you have the procedure at a younger age, you may need a second procedure in the future to maintain your youthful appearance.

What are the Benefits of a Facelift?

A facelift offers several benefits that make it worth the cost and recovery time for many people. Benefits of a facelift include:

Treat multiple signs of aging with one procedure
Look years younger
Slow the progression of the aging process on your face
Results that can last a decade or more

Looking in the mirror and seeing signs of aging can make you feel less confident. A facelift can let you feel like you are seeing your younger, more vibrant self restored. The benefits of a facelift can change your entire attitude and make you feel ready to take on the world.

What Other Procedures Can I Have With a Facelift?

Most other facial procedures work very well with a facelift to help you achieve your desired results. For those concerned about excess fat and loose skin around the neck, a neck lift can treat the area below what a facelift can reach. Your surgeon may recommend a brow lift if you have forehead wrinkles and sagging brows. This addresses the area above what a facelift typically reaches. Many people also have an eyelid lift to restore a bright-eyed, alert appearance.

How Much Do Facelifts Cost?

The cost of a facelift will vary depending on your location. It will also vary depending on the provider you choose. Other factors include the complexity of your procedure and any others being added. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports the average cost of a facelift as $8005. This may not include anesthesia, medical testing, and other expenses.

What is Recovery Like From a Facelift?

You will have some swelling and discomfort, especially during the first few days. We will prescribe pain medication as needed. Your surgeon may recommend sleeping with your head elevated to help reduce swelling. Most people start feeling better and more comfortable within a week. You should expect to take one to two weeks off work, possibly longer if you have a very active job. Your surgeon will approve you when you have healed enough to resume exercise and other activities. Swelling can take several months to resolve completely, allowing you to enjoy your final results.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift?

Good candidates for a facelift are in overall good health and have reasonable expectations. Good candidates are usually but not always in their 40’s to 70’s. People with serious health problems may not make good candidates. Facelifts are not recommended for those who are pregnant or have an active skin condition.

Take the Next Step – Request a Consultation

Want to learn more about facelifts? Schedule your consultation or by calling Specialty Aesthetic Surgery at (212) 737-8700. We look forward to working with you!

Specialty Aesthetic Surgery serves the greater NYC metro area.

About our Surgeons

Bruce Moskowitz is an experienced and board-certified oculoplastic surgeon. His practice encompasses all areas of oculoplastic cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He has a well-known reputation for revision surgery, and a large portion of his practice comes from other colleagues to revise sub-optimal outcomes.

Grigoriy Mashkevich is an experienced and double-board certified facial plastic surgeon. He belongs to a highly select group of surgeons with a focused specialization in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the nose, face, and neck.

*Individual results may vary.