What Is The “Right” Age For A Facelift?

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As we get older, many people notice when they look in the mirror, that their reflection looks tired or older than they feel. With this comes the questions of what to do about it, how to fix it, and maybe even the question, “Am I too young for a facelift?”.

Here’s the answer: There is no right or wrong age to get a facelift or any other anti-aging procedure done.

Each individual is different, each person ages differently, and what’s right for one person may not be right for someone else. Some people reach 60 years old without a wrinkle on their face. Lifestyle choices such as sun exposure can affect the signs of aging, but it’s mostly based on genetics. If you are in your 30’s or 40’s, there are probably a few procedures, like Botox and fillers, that target specific areas that will “hold you over” for a decade or two until you may need to consider something more permanent. However, many men and women 50+ may want to consider a face, eye, or brow lift to help them look younger and fresher.

The tale-tell signs of aging often start in the eye area. There can be drooping in the brows, sagging of the upper eyelids, bags under the eyes, or sunken areas under the eyes. For all of these issues, there are very targeted treatment options.

For drooping brows, a brow lift is a fairly easy procedure with a quick recovery. A small incision is made at the hairline, and the skin on the forehead and brow area is then lifted and sutured into place. This raises the brows as well as tightens the skin on the forehead. This surgery can be done in the office under local anesthesia or in the operating room under general anesthesia.

A blepharoplasty or eyelid lift addresses sagging upper or lower eyelids. A small incision is made in the crease of the upper eyelid or at the lower eyelid base. A small amount of skin may be removed, and then the eyelid is sutured into a more desirable position. A plastic surgeon can lift the upper lids, lower lids, or all four lids, depending on the patient’s needs. This surgery is usually performed in the office under local anesthesia.

If you have bags under the eyes or sunken areas under your eyes, this is typically an overabundance or lack of fatty tissue in the area. This can easily be fixed by removing some of the fat in the under-eye area or adding some if needed. Dermal filler can also be used to address the appearance of hollowed eyes.

Jowls are another common issue people seek help with when they age. Jowls can be reduced by removing fat via liposuction or Kybella, an injected solution that breaks down the fat. For those with jowls caused by skin laxity, a lower facelift may be the best option. Facelifts can be done in the office under local anesthesia or in the operating room.

A plastic surgeon may recommend a combination of a brow lift, blepharoplasty, and facelift if a patient experiences multiple aging signs. A surgical plan is as individualized as a person’s face. Together, you and your plastic surgeon will develop a treatment plan to address your concerns and meet your goals.

If you think you may be a good candidate for a facial procedure, schedule a personal consultation with one of our award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, Drs. Peter Butler, Jocelyn Leveque, and Nathan Patterson.

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