Facelift surgery is the most effective, long-lasting solution for pronounced skin laxity. This procedure can eliminate deep creases, lift sagging jowls, and adjust the cheeks to a more youthful position. Still, not all of these changes are necessary for every patient; younger patients, and thin patients with good skin elasticity, can sometimes forego facelift surgery in favor of a less invasive treatment.
What is the Right Age to have a Facelift?
There is no exact age where facelift surgery becomes the right choice. A patient who has lost a significant amount of weight in the past, or who has a history of smoking or sunbathing, may need a facelift as early as age 40. Conversely, a patient with excellent genetics who has always been slim and who has never smoked can potentially delay facelift surgery until her 60s. The only way to accurately assess whether or not you need a facelift is to visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.
With that in mind, there are some general guidelines you can use if you’re contemplating having plastic surgery in the future. We usually recommend a modified facelift procedure, the Silhouette Instalift, for patients between the ages of 35-50. Patients in this age group don’t tend to have visibly loose, hanging skin around their jaw or neck. They also have relatively firm eyelids and their brows have not yet fallen substantially. For these patients, the visible signs of aging are usually limited to subtle sagging in the mid-face region: Their cheeks have started to fall and they often see creases forming along their nasolabial folds.
The Silhouette Instalift uses specialized self-dissolving sutures to lift the muscles that support the cheeks. This raises the mid-face area and eliminates many of the early signs of aging. No skin is removed during this procedure, so it requires very little downtime.
In many cases, our surgeons will pair the Silhouette Instalift with injectable treatments, like Botox and dermal fillers, to uniformly minimize the visible signs of aging. Botox relaxes crow’s feet and forehead lines, while fillers can fill in deep wrinkles and augment areas that have been affected by age-related facial fat loss.
Learn More About Facelift Surgery
Middle age is an important transitional period. Many people in this age group overhaul their lives to better align with their goals and preferences. If you’re thinking of revitalizing your appearance so that it reflects who you are inside, we can help. Contact Ritacca Cosmetic Surgery today to arrange a one-on-one consultation. Our doctors will be happy to help you learn mo
