When Is the Best Age to Consider a Facelift?

Facelift surgery is commonly performed to reverse the signs of aging on the mid to lower face. This procedure addresses everything from wrinkles and deep folds in the lower face, to excess skin on the neck, to volume loss in the cheeks or sagging jowls. Because of its many rewards, facelift surgery is one of the most commonly requested and performed cosmetic surgeries for both men and women. There is no minimum or maximum age limit for facelift surgery. Instead of age, genetics, lifestyle, and skin quality all play a role in determining who is and who is not an ideal candidate for the procedure. However, you may find that being proactive and considering a facelift when you are younger will provide longer-lasting results with a more comfortable recovery process than if you wait until you are older.

Benefits of Facelift Surgery Under the Age of 50

Better Skin Quality

The primary factor in determining candidacy for facelift surgery is skin quality. While age and skin quality do not always go hand-in-hand (some sun-loving men and women in their thirties have poor skin quality, while some genetically blessed, sun-protected men and women in their sixties have wonderful skin quality), there is a link between these two. Traditionally, men and women under the age of 50 have higher amounts of collagen and elastin, which leads to better skin quality, and when it comes to facelift surgery, the better your skin, the better your results. It is for this reason that younger patients often experience the best results.

Less Progression of Aging

Deciding to undergo surgery before the signs of aging have worsened can contribute to lasting, ideal results. Facial aging begins as early as our 20s when collagen production begins to diminish, and facial aging starts to become noticeable in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. The effects of aging are easier to correct before they have entirely set in. Additionally, the younger you undergo facelift surgery, the longer you will be able to enjoy your tightened, youthful appearance.

Good Overall Health and Rapid Recovery

Another requirement for candidacy is good general health. This is important because facelift surgery is major surgery, and the healthier you are, the less chance there is for complications during the procedure or in the recovery process. Younger, healthier bodies tend to heal and recover at a faster speed than with older patients, who may be dealing with additional medical conditions.

Benefits of Facelift Surgery Over the Age of 50

While there are benefits to considering facelift surgery at a younger age, there is no reason you should decide against it if you are older. Statistics show that the majority of patients who undergo facelift surgery (65 percent) are over the age of 55. As long as you are a candidate for facelift surgery (in good general health, a non-smoker, and have good skin quality), you will be able to enjoy your results for years to come. In fact, waiting until aging has set in can provide for the most dramatic transformation.

Regardless of your age, though, your overall health and quality of your results will determine whether you are a candidate for facelift surgery. To find out more information about facelift surgery, schedule your consultation with Dr. Bonaldi.