How Old Is Too Old For A Facelift?

For most men and women, the earliest signs of aging begin to appear on the face, often in the form of lines and wrinkles. These symptoms typically begin as people reach their 30s, 40s, and 50s. While there are seemingly endless options to help combat and reduce the visible signs of aging, some of which are certainly beneficial, most plastic surgeons agree that there is no treatment more effective than the facelift. As new literature becomes available each year, many patients wonder if it is too early, or perhaps too late, to pursue a facelift. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the exceptional team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV are dedicated to helping patients determine the most appropriate procedure(s) and timing for their specific concerns and goals. 

What is a facelift?

There are several different types of facelifts, but in general, the procedure is designed to give patients a more youthful appearance through the removal of excess skin and tightening/repositioning the remaining facial skin and tissue. While the full facelift is capable of addressing the largest number of concerns and producing the most dramatic results, some patients who are not quite ready for such an extensive procedure will instead opt for an isolated upper or lower facelift. Additional a la carte procedures may include a blepharoplasty, or eyelid lift, and a neck lift.

What is the best age for a facelift?

While there is no right or wrong age for undergoing a facelift, there are some important factors to consider in determining if – and when – the procedure may be right for you. These include:

• Severity of symptoms: Patients with less advanced signs of aging may benefit from less invasive treatments before moving on to a full facelift. Deeper lines, wrinkles, sagging jowls, and other advanced signs of facial aging may indicate that it is time to explore your surgical options.
• Skin elasticity: As we age, our skin naturally loses volume, collagen, and, ultimately, its elasticity. Patients considering a facelift should have an adequate amount of skin elasticity remaining in order to achieve a successful result. 
• Surgical risk factors: Regardless of a patient’s age, he or she must be a good surgical candidate in order to be considered for a facelift. Patients should be relatively healthy, nonsmokers, and have no significant contraindications to surgery or anesthesia. A number of older patients often have underlying medical conditions or take medications that can cause surgical complications, so it is important to get clearance from your doctor before undergoing a facelift. In some cases, you may be able to safely stop certain medicines for a period of time before a facelift, making it possible to undergo the surgery. 
• Treatment history: Another consideration for patients who are wondering whether or not it is time to undergo a facelift is what other treatments they have already had performed. For instance, if a relatively young patient in his or her 40s or 50s has already used dermal fillers, BOTOX, and other nonsurgical methods but has reached the point where the signs and symptoms of aging are continuing to progress faster than they can be treated, then it may be time to move on to a facelift. On the other hand, patients in their 30s and 40s who have merely dabbled with BOTOX here and there may consider exploring the long list of nonsurgical and minimally invasive options for addressing the signs of aging before pursuing a facelift. 

Ultimately, a patient’s decision to undergo a facelift is a personal one, and some men and women may feel ready to have the procedure performed at an earlier age than others. The best way to determine how a facelift at your age may benefit you is to be evaluated by a highly experienced, reputable, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Christopher Khorsandi.

How much younger will I look after a facelift?

As with any procedure, the results can vary from patient to patient. With a facelift, in particular, it is essential that patients have realistic expectations for their results. While the outcome of a full facelift can be dramatic and stunning, it is unlikely that a 65 year old will achieve the appearance of their 30 year old self. A widely accepted rule of thumb is that a facelift can help patients look up to ten years younger. 

Ultimately, Dr. Khorsandi’s goal with each and every facelift procedure is to help the patient achieve a more youthful, refreshed, and rejuvenated appearance that looks natural. Some of the most common complaints about poorly performed facelifts include a plastic, shiny, and overly tight appearance. To avoid this outcome, it is crucial that patients select a surgeon who is exceptionally familiar and experienced with the complexities and nuances of a surgical facelift. 

How do I find the best facelift surgeon in Las Vegas? 

If you are considering a facelift in Las Vegas, NV, make sure to read reviews about your potential surgeon and browse before-and-after photo galleries on his or her website. Call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with our Chief Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, today, and learn how a facelift can help you turn back the clock and love what you see in the mirror again!