Facelift Q&A
85%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
315 Reviews
Faceliftbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Facelift Cost: $11,225

Learn about Facelift

1,204 people and 806 doctors are talking about Facelift

Get Free Email Updates

I Am 45 and I Am Wondering if Will Be Ok to Have a Face Lift Instead of Useing Restylane?

asked 1 year ago by vanidad in miami
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 1,268 times
Tags: age 45-54, face, female

Many thanks,

45 answers to I Am 45 and I Am Wondering if Will Be Ok to Have a Face Lift Instead of Useing Restylane?

+2

Restylane and Facelift Compliment Each Other

I would need to see you personally to really say what would be most appropriate for you.  Having said that, Restylane will soften a lot of the signs of aging, and a facelift will soften a lot of the signs of aging; however, they do it by correcting different aspects of aging.  People generally perceive "the whole" of your appearance, so either procedure may have the same general affect (making you look younger).  Ideally, you approach aging changes using both... more
Louis W. Apostolakis, MD

Austin Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift orFillers ?

Hi vanidad- Surgery and fillers (Restylane) address different problems. It's not choosing one or the other, rather it is matching the problem with the correct treatment. Surgery is for sagging tissues that look better when theses tissue are repositioned in a more  youthful position. Fillers are for a loss of volume like grooves or hollows. Often patients need both to give the most natural, refreshed appearance. A consultation with a surgeon who does fillers and surgery will help... more
Thomas E. Kaniff, MD

Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facialcosmeticsurg.com

+2

Face lift vs. Restylane ...two different things

Restylane really is a volume restoring filler.  Your age has nothing to do with whether you need a face lift or not.  It really has to do with the amount of laxity and aging that you have.  Picking the appropriate procedure for the patient is the most important thing. 1.  If you have slightly deepened creases in the nasolabial lines, I still feel a filler agent is best 2.  If you have deepened creases along the nasolabial area with slight marionette line... more
Raghu Athre, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.athresurgical.com

+2

Facelift vs. Fillers

We all age at different rates which are often dictated by our genetics and the amount of sun exposure we have experienced. The results from a Facelift and Restylane are entirely different. Fillers such as Restylane are used to restore that volume. A Facelift is a technique to reposition the aging skin, and does not restore volume. However, there is often improvement in the Nasolabial fold region following Facelift surgery, which may avoid the need for filler. It is important to consult with... more
Michael Sullivan, MD

Columbus Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift and Restylane are Entirely Different Procedure With Different Goals

A facelift is not a substitute for a facelift as it is used in an entirely different goal.  Restylane is a facial filler designed to add volume to areas of the face that have lost it as aging occurs. Restylane and other facial fillers are sometimes over used in order to avoid a facelift. Excessive amount are injected to  "lift" the skin, but this leads to very un-natural looking results. Most facelifts are designed to treat the jowels and the neck. A deep plane... more
Jacob D. Steiger, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift Versus Restylane

Since Facelift and Restylane are used to accomplish entirely different things, it would be more helpful to consider a patient's goals and starting anatomy. If the mid-face is sinking, jowls are present, and obliquity is present, a Facelift will be an excellent procedure; Restylane will not be useful in this regard.  If volume is required in the lips, and/or vertical lines are present in the lips along with thinning of the vermillion border, Restylane will be a very good... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+2

Restylane versus Facelift

This is  a difficult question without seeing your photographs or evaluating you in consultation.   Generally speaking, restylane is a temporary volume replacement tool that works well for nasolabial folds, marionette lines, lip augmentation, and tear troughs.   Although it works well for the treatment of lines and wrinkles, it does not augment facial shape (neck laxity, jowling, cheek sagging).   These are indications for a facelift, which can produce long lasting... more
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift Surgery

Restylane just really cannot accomplish what a facelift does.  Restylane provides some filling and is best for around the mouth.  A facelift is best for tightening the loose skin of the face, jowl, and/or neck and can make a really nice difference for the right patient.  The trend is to consider surgery at a younger age because the transition is a more subtle one, and the surgical results may last a little bit longer. Michael Vincent, MD, FACS
Michael Vincent, MD

Rockville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift at age 45

Restylane is a plumper material that has an FDA indication for nasolabial fold augmentation. Restylane cannot accomplish what a facelift does. A facelift is performed for jowls and tightening facial structures, including the removal of fat in the neck and tightening any platysmal bands that may be present here. This is a surgical procedure that can be done on someone as young as 45 but the average is closer to 55 when most patients are having this type of work done. In addition, a mini... more
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+2

Facelift or Restylane for a 45 year old: Which Is Better?

If and when to have a facelift is more about anatomy than about an age or a number.  Fillers like Restylane accomplish some goals a facelift would, such as correcting nasolabial folds.  But fillers will not correct jowls, sharpen the jawline, reestablish the contour of the neck or lift the soft tissues of the cheek bone area to the position of youth.  Fillers, such as Restylane are also temporary and have to be repeated to maintain the result.  At 45, if the issues... more
Christopher J. Schaffer, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift vs. Restylane

The answer to this question will vary from patient to patient. I will tell you that 45 is certainly an appropriate age for a facelift. While both address aging concerns, a facelift and Restylane can lead to improvements in different ways. Many patients will benefit from both treatments.
Ryan Greene, MD, PhD

Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift versus Restylane

If you are asking this question then it might be worthwhile to sit down in front of the mirror with a surgeon and go through what these different things do.  From my perspective, a facelift is to elevate the structure or envelope of the face - not just the skin but laxity of the underlying structures as well - fat, muscles, etc.  The main effect is at the jowls, along the jawline and in the neck itself.  Restylane, on the other hand, is a filler.  Think of it like filling... more
Douglas Stevens, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face lifts common in 40's and give very nice results

It is not uncommon for women to seek face lift surgery in their 40‘s. If you feel that you are ready for surgery and your surgeons feels that you are a good candidate , then there is no need to wait until you are in your 50’s or 60’s. In fact the younger you are typically the nicer the result after surgery and you will enjoy the benefits while you are still young.
Sam Naficy, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Fillers or lifts

Fillers and facelifts are totally different concepts. Fillers will give you more volume to the face, but will not contour the muscles or skin like a facelft will do. They can compliment one another, however. You may need both to give the best results. Clearly at your younger age a more limited facelift may be of benefit to you. I have performed many facelifts on patients in their forties with excellent, long lasting results It will always be based on... more
Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD

Tampa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift or fillers

Everyone is different. If your face has aged sufficiently to warrant a facelift, you could certainly have one, particularly if you have significant sagging of the skin. If not, then fillers are a wonderful way to begin rejuvenation treatment because they are affordable and have very little downside. It depends on your condition and inclination to undergo surgery. Fillers and surgery are not mutually exclusive, either. I'd recommend that you see a plastic surgeon and inquire whether... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift instead of Restylane?

Hi Vanidad. The answer to your question depends upon what you are looking to accomplish. Restylane is a hyaluronic acid filler. Restylane and similar fillers can be effective for restoring volume to the face and diminishing the appearance of some wrinkles. A well-performed facelift can substantially improve the appearance of such sagging skin of the lower face and neck. You should discuss your concerns and goals with your surgeon, who can best answer which treatment choices would be most... more
James M. Pearson, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift or restylane?

Both of these treatments are useful in facial rejuvenation but they do do different things. Volume augmentation with fillers is an important treatment to combat the loss of facial volume with age. But certainly you are not too young to have a limited incision facelift (which unfortunately goes by many, many names).
Lawrence Kass, MD

Saint Petersburg Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.kassmd.com

+1

Depends on what you want to accomplish

This really depends on what you want to accomplish. A facelift is an excellent procedure to tighten the skin, where Restylane is used to fill in lines and wrinkles. A facelift is surgery where Restylane is an easy office procedure. see video
Babak Azizzadeh, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is OK to have a Facelift at 45 if you need a Facelift. Restylane, Pearlane, Sculptra are good to plump the cheek

If you notice lax skin on your neck and jawline (jowling) then a Facelift will firm and tighten the jaw line and neck and 45 is a good age to do this. If on the other hand all you see is loss of volume in your cheeks and you feel that you need fuller cheeks (apple cheek) then a good cross linked or firm filler such as Perlane, Radiesse, or possible Sculptra (requires time and multiple injections) can restore your youthful cheeks without surgery. We call this cheek plumping non... more
Brooke R. Seckel, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon

www.drseckel.com

+1

Facelift versus fillers. A lot or a little change.

Is 45 too young for a lift?  Usually not.  If weight fluctuations, an outdoor life style, stress or smoking has aged you prematurely, I think it is fine.  That being said, many people find fillers like Restylane can put the facelift threshold off for a good five years or more.
Ritu Chopra, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

I Am 45 and I Am Wondering if Will Be Ok to Have a Face Lift Instead of Useing Restylane?

It would be easier to answer if you had posted a photo.  It depends on what you are using the Restylane for, and where you are using it.  A facelift may help, but fat transfer my be just as good or a better option, or a combination of the two may be best.  Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can examine you and give you your options.
Amy T. Bandy, DO

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift or Fillers?

There truly is no rule of thumb as to a particular age when a facelift is best done. The time to consider a facelift is when YOU look at yourself in the mirror and always notice the same things that bother you a lot about how you look. If you are constantly thinking about the same issues with your facial appearance in photos and/or the mirror you might be ready to consider a facelift. This can happen at ANY age. Certainly, 45 is an appropriate age for a facelift. The question of using... more
Adam Rubinstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon

dr-rubinstein.com

+1

Facelift and Restylane are both good options

Depending on your individual cosmetic concerns and aesthetic goals, either a facelift or Restylane (or even a combination of both) may be right for you. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and the two address separate issues.  The best way to determine which is best for you is to see a facial plastic surgeon and discuss the benefits and risks of each procedure after you have been examined. Best of luck!
Jen Yuan Chow, MD

Pasadena Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face Lift, Mini Face Lift, The Palmer Celebrity Face Lift

  Your age of 45 is much less of a deciding factor than the signs of aging and the shape of your facial features.  If you have nasolabial folds, jowls and excess loose skin, fillers would be helpful in shaping the face but won't and can't remove excess skin or tighten the underlying SMAS muscle.  For that, you would need a Minimum Incision Face Lift or a larger, more invasive traditional Face Lift.  Think of fillers like Radiesse, Perlane, Juvederm, Restylane... more
Francis R. Palmer, III, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Restylane vs Face Lift

If you like what you see when you look in the mirror and pull back on the skin by your ears then you probably want the results of a face lift or cheek lift.  If you want just a little more fullness in a spot or two you want a filler.  Age is not the determining factor.  More important is the result you want and how you have aged thus far.
Byron D. Poindexter, MD

Reston Plastic Surgeon
+1

45 - restylane vs facelift

Vanidad, There really is no easy answer for your question.  Also, it is impossible to give a good opinion without examining you or even seeing a picture.  In general, aging is caused by a combination of gravity pulling normal structures down, and fat loss in the face.  Plastic surgery procedures seek to correct these changes.  A facelift will structures back up to their more youthful position.  Fillers like restylane, or now more popularly fat, help fill... more
Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

FACELIFT VS JUVEDERM

YES.  POSSILLY.  They do very different thing. Juvederm or restylane are fillers and fill lines, lips, areas of loss, lower hollow lids etcetcetc.  A Facelift removes and lifts skin excess, lifts THE MUSCLE COVERING. LIFTS FAT PADS, AND CORRECTS FOR FAT POSITION OR EXCESS.  THEY EACH WORK TO SU[PPORT AND COMPLEMENT EACE OTHER. THEY DO VERY DIFFERENT THINGS.  HAVE BOTH POSSIBLY.
George Commons, MD

Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

www.pacfps.com

+1

Customize your treatment

Facelift and fillers are like apples and oranges. There are basically three things that happen with facial aging:  Laxity, volume loss, and skin changes. A facelift can reverse laxity (and also lift volume to make it look like you have more volume where you want it), a filler can increase volume, and skin treatments like laser resurfacing can improve the tone, texture and coloration of the skin. Essentially anyone considering facial rejuvenation needs to see a physician that can provide... more
Andrew Campbell, MD

Milwaukee Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.campbellplastics.com

+1

Facelifts vs. Fillers - Both could be the right answer

Choosing between a surgical face lift and a filler injections, like Restylane, really depends on what you are trying to improve.  Fillers add volume and soften lines and wrinkles.  They are also not permanent, and can even be dissolved if the results are unacceptable.  Surgical face lifts reposition tissue, and are great for restoring a sagging neck and jawline, but do not necessarily improve all the lines and wrinkles around the mouth.  Often times both surgery and... more
David Magilke, MD

Portland Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift vs fillers

I do not think you can just do a facelift or just do facial volume augmentation with fillers or fat anymore. Some combination of the two I think works the best.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift versus fillers

First, we should really define what facial features or changes that you've noticed bother you.  Then we need to assess your facial anatomy.  Then we make a plan to best correct it. Some 45 year olds only need skin care, a little botox and a little bit of fillers.  Others benefit from a mini-facelift, while some need a full correction. I'd have to examine you in person to give you a detailed answer to your question.  There isn't a hard-and-fast rule on... more
Thomas Fiala, MD

Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Ready for a facelift at 45

Generally speaking, most who are 45 will see a significant difference and would be "ready" for a facelift, probably a mini-lift.  While it is difficult to attach an age at which one would benefit from a mini- vs a full facelift, there are some averages I use.  Those in their 40's and 50's are often happiest with a mini-lift and those in their late 50's and 60's need a full lift for maximal benefit.  Again, there a many exceptions and only an exam and... more
John Bitner, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drjohnbitner.com

+1

I Am 45 and I Am Wondering if Will Be Ok to Have a Face Lift Instead of Useing Restylane?

It depends upon exactly what you are looking for. A mini facelift might be best with Smart Smart resurfacing. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl j. Blinski
Darryl J. Blinski, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift or Fillers

This is a question that can best be answered by a surgeon at personal consultation with you.  Of course you are "OK" to have a facelift, but the decision for surgery is a judgment about upside (amount of improvement in how you feel about your appearance and/or forestalling progression of visible aging) vs. downside (cost, risk, downtime).  Is the upside worth the downside to YOU?  Decision very individualized, personal, and different for every patient and for the... more
Steve Laverson, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

+1

It is NOT facelift OR fillers but sometimes facelift AND fillers that gets the best results.

It is NOT facelift OR fillers but sometimes facelift AND fillers that gets the best results. Depending on your examination, you could benefit from both procedures.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

"To lift or not to lift"

Most surgeons do not have a specific age cut-off for any given procedure, it depends upon the specifics in your case. A few points to consider: Fillers are relatively inexpensive and require little or no downtime fillers are good at filling in wrinkles and creases, but will not tighten jowls or loose skin on the face or neck most fillers are temporary lifts are relatively expensive and do require some downtime lifts do last forever, but they will not stop the... more
Mark Preston, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift or filler?

It really depends on which areas you are trying to address.  Fillers will soften the nasolabial fold, and perhaps the jowls.  They will not tighten your skin.  If your neck skin bothers you, then a facelift is probably a good consideration.
David A. Lickstein, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift or Restylane?

These two treatment options really represent quite different options within the spectrum of aesthetic facial procedures. Rather than one replacing the other, many patients benefit from a little filler after a facelift or necklift in order to enhance their look. A facelift will improve your lower face, jawline and neck. Most of our 45 year old patients benefit from a good "fast-recovery" facelift to turn back the clock and maintain a good natural look. Routinely, we combine... more
Frank P. Fechner, MD

Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

+1

Facelift or Restylane

It all depends on how your face is structured and on your genetics. There is no standard answer, as each face is different.   A facelift may work very well on one patient while the same procedure may not give the desired results if volume is what is needed. The opposite is also true. To make things more complicated you may need both. I suggest a personal consultation. Dr Siegel
Michel Siegel, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

It depends on what you are wishing to improve?

At 45 a "liquid lift" may be as good an option as a face-lift.  However, Restylane by itself is not the best choice as an alternative to a Facelift.  Our typical "liquid lift" patient uses three to four products and we choose the ones that have the best longevity as well as cost.  Typically this includes a combination of Radiesse, Juvederm, Sculptra and perhaps Botox.  If you are like many of our Florida patients of your age, we may also use the MiXto... more
Nathan Mayl, MD

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

Surgical Facial Rejuvenation vs. Non Surgical Treatment

Without a photo or physical exam, I can only provide you a very generic answer.  Non surgical treatments are really for patients who either do not need a facelift or do not want surgical treatment (personal choice, budget limitations etc).  Options for non surgical treatments include fillers such as restylane you mention.  These procedures can be done in the office. Most fillers are not permanent and require treatments every several months.  But there is a limit on what... more
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

A facelift may be a good option

A facelift may or may not be a good option for you.  It depends on where you are currently using Restylane.  If you are looking to improve the nasolabial lines (from your nose to the corner of your lip), or marrionnette lines (from the corner of your mouth to your jaw area), then a face lift may only slightly improve these areas.  You may still need Restylane to blunt these area even after a facelift.  If you are also looking to improve loose tissue around your neck and... more
Mark Ginsburg, DO

Media Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift versus Injectables

In every face, a variety of changes of occur with aging. There is loss of soft tissue volume, loss of bone volume, sagging of tissues and aging changes to the skin. When you visit with your Plastic Surgeon, explain what you do not like and what are the options for correcting it.  To learn more about the aging changes of the face, visit our blog on our website. 
Marc Schneider, MD

Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift Instead of Restylane

You can have a facelift instead of Restylane, but the real question is "what is best for you"? It depends on what you  want to achieve. The alternatives will be discusssed in  consultations with experienced surgeons.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift without Restylane

Certainly you can do a facelift without fillers.  If you are a good candidate for surgery, the fillers can be avoided if you want to hold off on them.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Ask a question