The right age for a facelift may simply be defined as the moment you decide that now is time. That decision will most likely be based on how you feel about your current appearance and the desired outcome and goals that you have in mind. If you feel that you may not yet be at the right age for a facelift, there are many other facial rejuvenation treatments available that are designed to give you the smoother, more youthful look you’re after.
Considering a Facelift
Fine lines and wrinkles are probably the first signs of aging that we notice as we get older. In addition to the effects of time, sun and environmental damage can also cause the loss of collagen fibers due to exposure. When the fibers break down, the skin loses its elasticity and the result is loose and sagging skin.
While the right age for a facelift may be subjective, some people start to consider similar treatments around their 30s and 40s. Someone who is noticing early signs of aging and may not yet need the help of a full facelift or does not like how invasive a full facelift can be, could possibly benefit from a mini facelift. Like a full facelift, this downscaled version aims to provide a more youthful appearance but does so with more limited results.
Laser Treatments
Laser skin resurfacing is a nonsurgical method of facial rejuvenation that could potentially smooth and even out fine lines and wrinkles. These treatments are also used to combat sun damage, age spots, sagging skin and acne scars. Using laser energy, they aim to kick-start the collagen under the skin’s surface with heat to reveal softer, smoother skin. Laser skin resurfacing may also provide a more even look to your skin’s overall texture.
Talking to your doctor about your cosmetic goals and concerns will help you determine the best facial treatments for your skin.Rhinoplasty or Dermal Fillers
A nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, is a popular procedure for many people starting in the late teens and 20s whether it is done for medical or cosmetic reasons. They are sometimes done to repair a genetic imperfection such as a deviated septum in order to help someone breathe better or are performed to correct cosmetic issues such as a bump or asymmetry.
Some people opt for dermal fillers as an alternative to rhinoplasty, known as the liquid nose job, if they are not yet ready to commit to surgery or if the correction needed is minimal. Dermal fillers are injected into the nose in order to fill or plump up the areas that require treatment and require zero downtime, so you could even receive yours on your lunch break if necessary.
Injectable Fillers
Injectable fillers may help restore the volume in your face that has been lost over the years. They are also commonly used to address deep facial creases, facial asymmetry in the lips or nose as well as deep pits or scars. A major benefit of going the injectable filler route is that there is little to no downtime, which is important for how busy we all are these days. You should be able to go right back to your daily routine when your treatment is done.
Eyelid Surgery
As you get older, the skin of your upper eyelid will begin to naturally droop, though some people experience extreme loss of elasticity that gets in the way of their sight. Eyelid surgery is a simple procedure designed to address any wrinkles, sagging skin, puffiness or other signs of aging around the upper and lower eyelid areas. An eyelift may restore the skin around the upper and lower eyelid, giving you smooth results.
Trying to figure out the right age for a facelift just isn’t as important as how you feel. If you think your face makes you look more tired than you really are or if sagging skin is getting in the way of your vision, you may want to consider one of the many facial rejuvenation treatments out there. Take the time to look into each one to find the right one for you.
Waleed Ezzat, M.D., F.A.C.S. is double board-certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and otolaryngology/head and neck surgery. He operates under the philosophy that natural beauty is the best kind of beauty. Dr. Ezzat addresses each aesthetic or reconstructive challenge by considering the whole facial anatomy rather than focusing on one isolated area. This comprehensive approach maintains a goal of fully functional and natural-looking results that fit perfectly within each individual’s unique genetic makeup.
