83%
269 reviews
Worth It Rating
Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
How Old is Too Old for a Facelift Plastic Surgeon?
I had large scale liposuction and upper eyelid surgery 13 years ago from a board-certified plastic surgeon. I got great results and had no complications. Now, I'm ready for a facelift. I would love to use the same surgeon, rather than shopping around and trying to figure out who I should trust and have confidence in. However, the surgeon is now in his late '60s. How much manual dexterity and stamina is involved in a facelift? Would it be better to use a slightly younger surgeon?
Asked 33 months ago by
Doberman in Los Angeles
+3
It all depends on the surgeon
First of all, even though you were happy with your liposuction, please realize that a facelift is a much more challenging and artistic procedure. Make sure your doctor is good at it and look at lots of RECENT patient photos, not just the best ones from 20 years ago. Finally, some people age better than others and late 60's isn't too old to be in excellent operating condition.
+2
Look at recent before and after photos
A surgeon in his late 60s is not too old to be your surgeon. The important factor to recognize is whether or not the surgeon has kept up with modern surgical techniques. There is a lot of manual dexterity and stamina required for a facelift, which lasts three hours. Ask to see many of his recent before-and-after photos of previous patients to determine how up-to-date his surgical techniques are.
+2
Experience is a great teacher.
Experience and trust are 2 of the most important things for you to consider. If your previous surgeon has the experience with facelifting, then he is probably the perfect fit for you. You can determine this by asking. I am in my 60’s and believe I am getting the best results I have ever gotten. This is because experience is a great teacher. Each of us learned a technique that was adequate and got good results. However, we are constantly learning and improving what we do by listening to...
more
+2
The quality of his work should determine if he is the right surgeon for you.
Actually most of us get better results the longer we operate. Experience is a most powerful and wonderful teacher. I am in my sixtes and am getting the best results of my career and can predict the outcome much better then ever. While certainly age has a bearing on health and dexterity, I don't think there is a specific age that is the limit. Each surgeon is different. Some wear out in their 40s and 50s because of genetics while others are doing great work into their 70s, Meet with your...
more
+2
Younger is not necessarily better.
Dear Doberman
I work with many older plastic surgeons who are still going strong.
However, you do have to ask yourself if you will get the latest type of face lift or if you will get the same type of facelift this doctor was performing in the early eighties with big scars around the ears, loss of hair in the temple, over pulled jaw line.
Studies you doctor's website. Get a sense of his before and after photos and the type of face lifts he performs. Many of us perform great facelifts here...
more
+2
Experience only comes with time in the O.R.
Of course, I am biased that age and experience is a major advantage because I am still operating after 30+ years of Board Certification in Plastic Surgery.
The time has given me the resources to build an exceptional infrastructure including experienced staff, approved in house O.R.; a multitude of operative and non operative lasers, etc.
It is not the age, but the individual that counts.
You had a favorable experience last time so I would certainly recommend that you return to check him out...
more
+1
Late 60's too old?
That is a prickly question and needs to be handled with care. there is no right answer but i will say as I have gotten more experienced my surgical times have decreased and results are better than ever. you must remember that dexterity and stamina are much, much, much, less important than skill, experience and surgical judgement. however, if he looks like a hundred, is forgetful and can't hear what you say, reconsider.
+1
Judging the Best Age for a Facelift Surgeon
Facelift procedures require superlative surgical judgement, mature aesthetic sense, and seasoned experience with different facelift techniques. The age of the surgeon, in my opinion, is not relevant, unless the surgeon has not performed enough facelifts to confidently display his results. Older plastic surgeons have the advantage of seeing what has worked well, and gone by the wayside, but must be current enough as not to just be performing a technique just because they are...
more
+1
Age is sometimes just a number
I would have no problem returning to a surgeon in his late 60s for surgery. He is older and wiser now, and should be able to deliver a nice result. Do see hiim and a couple of others as well, though, so you can be sure of your comfort level.
+1
Facelift.....Older vs. Younger
Doberman,
Good question. Plastic surgeons have different expertise in different areas. Results may vary dramatically. When I personally recieve great service at the grocery, cleaners, etc., I always go back. I feel like surgeons "hit their stride" in their mid-forties. But age is only a number. Go with your gut. If your surgeon impressed you with his work in the past, my instinct would be to trust him in the future. ...
more
+1
Hands of a Surgeon
This has little to due with age and everything to due with skill/technical expertise. I believe the best way to judge this is to view the surgeon's results.
Dr. ES
+1
Facelift surgeon
The quality of the surgeon is the most improtant thing. If the surgeon is still adept at 69 that should be good enough.
+1
You should assess your surgeon carefully no matter what age.
When selecting a plastic surgeon to perform any cosmetic procedure, it is important that you thoroughly examine multiple aspects of the surgeon including one's age. However, age should not encourage or discourage you. You should feel comfortable that you have selected a surgeon who delivers excellent results, can express that to you, has the same 'vision' as you, and is someone you feel you trust. Another great place to find a plastic surgeon for your...
more
+1
How old is too old to do facelift surgery?
Surgery is a acquired skill and for most of us we improve with experience. If you were happy and comfortable with your previous surgeon and he/she is actively practicing, I would go back to him/her. Unless there is evidence of the surgeon is slowing down, return for a consultation and ask to have someone who has had recent surgery to talk with you.
Hurricane Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Does the age of your plastic surgeon matter
It takes experience, talent and expertise to create beautiful face lift results. An experienced and expert facial rejuvenation surgeon will carefully assess each patients individual anatomy and aging process to design a unique surgical approach. This experience takes many years to achieve and unless a particular surgeon has physical impairments (neurological, muscular, etc.) he/she will be able to create beautiful faces well into old age. I have observed a few surgeons...
more
+1
Wines get older with age
Your surgeon probably has a great deal of experience performing facelifts. His experience helps him/her to make the proper decision. The outcome is based on judgement and dexterity. Judgement always rules the day
+1
An older surgeon has more experience.
The surgeon who did such a good job on you years ago is now older and wiser. Unless he is suffering from neurological deterioration, I would return to him. Do your due diligence, but unless he's gone off the deep end there is a good bet that he will do an excellent job second time around. He probably will also be willing to advise you against a facelift that you don't need if that is the case.
+1
Age for a Facelift surgeon
This is an excellent question. All I can tell you is that performing a Facelift is a performance and it takes a great deal of stamina, dexterity, concentration and focus. If you are confident your surgeon can provide that for you then you can should be comfortable with him.
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Surgeon Dependent
Age is not a factor in choosing a surgeon but rather focus on the following issues:
surgeon's experience in performing technique
type of procedure he/she would perform and why
recent before and after images of patients treated by surgeon
area of surgeon's expertise
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1
Not necessarily
Trust is the number one attribute. If the surgeon does not feel he can produce an acceptable result, or if he feels he does not have the stamina, a trustworthy surgeon will let you know. Of course the other side of the coin is that doctors are notorious for not knowing when to quit. However, late 60's is not necessarily old if the doctor is otherwise healthy. Ask him if he does facelifts. If he doesn't, ask for a referral. You might ask to speak to other patients of his for their recent...
more
Anxious about facelift and whether you're getting the full story? Learn 16 secrets from a RealSelf community member who went through it all.