What is the best age for a facelift? Instinctively, many people assume that the younger, the better. After all, isn’t it better to preserve the youthful look that is there than to fight back against time? However, this isn’t necessarily true, and even if it were, there is then the question of how young is too young for a facelift?
This can leave many people confused and worried about either jumping the gun or getting their facelift too late. To help you make sense of this, let’s take a look at what you should keep in mind about the best age for fighting aging.
There Is No One Right Age
Everyone ages at their own rate based on genetics, diet, exercise, habits and environmental factors. This means that the right age for a facelift will be different for everyone just based on when the signs of aging emerge and when.
The right age for a facelift will vary between individuals. Do not base your decision on what has worked for other people.
This doesn’t even take into account how tolerance for signs of aging varies between people. Some individuals might want to avoid signs of aging for as long as possible, and in their case, a preventative facelift might be best. Others are happy with fine lines around the eyes but want to ensure they don’t develop genuine wrinkles.
Less Invasive Facelift Alternatives
A facelift can be transformative, but it is also a surgical procedure that comes with a recovery period of several weeks. Before jumping into surgery, it might be a good idea to try BOTOX® or dermal fillers. These can generally resolve those initial signs of aging for several years, giving you a buffer between the onset of signs of aging and the need for a facelift.
It’s Okay to Get a Facelift While You Are Young
If BOTOX and fillers just aren’t doing it for you, getting a facelift before the age of 40 is perfectly acceptable, so long as your plastic surgeon agrees you are a good candidate for the procedure. Many women are getting facelifts in their thirties and are pleased with the results.
In many cases, these are done on their own, though women may package them as part of a group of procedures, such as a mommy makeover.
Always Follow the Guidance of Your Surgeon
It can be tempting to jump to dramatic action at the first signs of crow’s feet, but remember that your doctor will know best. There is a lot that influences the final result of a facelift, from the condition of your skin to your overall health to your body size. Only a professional can accurately determine if a facelift will bring the results you desire or if looking into alternatives is best.
Dr. Chang earned his medical degree from Columbia University after graduating magna cum laude from Yale, and then completed a combined general and plastic surgery residency at Stanford University Medical Center, where he served as chief resident. After becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon, he returned to his home state and established Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, one of the premier cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practices between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
