Is 40 Too Young for a Facelift? Doctor Answers, Tips

+5

Many 40-year old patients benefit from skillful facelifts

20 years ago, this question would not have come up. It would have been considered inappropriate by most surgeons for a 40-year old to consider a facelift except perhaps in acne patients with skin laxity. Now, especially for patients in the entertainment industry who make their living on air, it is more common than not that they undergo cosmetic surgery, including facelifting procedures. 20 years ago the typical facelift patient would have had been offered a facelift with high lateral pull... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+5

Facelift - Think physiological age, not chronological age

I am glad this question was asked because I answer it frequently in my practice. Some of my patients are "older" at 40 than others at 60 based on their lifestyle, health history, and other physical issues. In general, most 40 year olds do not yet have the indications which would necessitate a facelift, or are what would be described as "early" facelift candiddates . However, I have certainly seen many women in their early 40's with evidence of jowls, midfacial... more

Stephen Prendiville, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+4

Consider Autologous Fat Grafting

Facial soft tissues (and even the facial bones) actually lose volume and projection with age. The concerns you describe, sunken cheeks, hollowed eyes, and marionette lines can all be treated successfully , and permanently with autologous fat grafting by restoring youthful contours to the face. The contemporary approach to surgical rejuvenation of the face consists more and more of an attempt to restore facial volume and contour, in an attempt to emulate youthful facial features. My... more

Michael Law, MD
Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+4

It's anatomy, not age that counts with a facelift

Cosmetic surgery modifies anatomy. This may or may not translate into changes of aging. This is no operation that makes a person younger. An operation changes anatomy that may produce the perception of more youthfulness. Some things like typical blepharoplasty can actually make a person look older later in life. So all things being equal, age itself is not a qualifier for an operation. The anatomy is. You have to analyze your anatomy and determine why it is you look the way you do. It may... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

+3

It sounds as though you are being given good advice and...

It sounds as though you are being given good advice and that much of your problem may be volume loss rather than loose skin, sagging tissue, or gravitational descent. While rarely a facelift is reasonable on a 40 year old, usually it is reserved for those over 45 to 50. It depends on the anatomy and what you describe are not typically why a facelift is done. Fillers and fat injections are probably best for you for now.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

+2

Optimal Ages for Facelift Surgery

It is presentation rather than age that is the most relevant when considering a facelift. Depending upon a patient's genetics with regards to prominence of cheekbones and jawline, the amount of skin damage from environmental exposure or smoking, and the amount of fat in their face(whether you are heavy or thin in the face) will determine your presentation at the time of facelift consultation. In patients that have very strong bone structure, with little sun-damage or no... more

Daniel Shapiro, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

shapiroplasticsurgery.com

+2

Facelift at 40 is an option

While you are not too young for a facelift, it may not be your best option. The key is to find a facial plastic surgeon who performs a wide variety of procedures then sit down and discuss your goals for surgery. The surgeon can then guide you through your options and suggest the best procedure to get your desired results. At 40 you may even be a great candidate for a mini-facelift!

D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

innovationsfps.com

+2

Facelift at 40 years old

Forty is on the younger end of the spectrum for this surgery. However, we all age differently and certainly our expectations/preferences for our appearance also vary. Typically, if genetic factors conspire to make us develop jowls or neck skin laxity at a younger age, and if this is visible and bothersome, an experienced surgeon may evaluate you and agree that surgery is an option. It is important you find someone you trust who can give you an honest opinion, and tell you 'no' if it... more

Sam Most, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

+2

No set age for a face lift

There is no set age for a face lift. A face lift is indicated when the patient wnts to remedy the signs of aging. Deep nasolabial gold perioral lines, jowles, and neck lines. We age at different pace. If you are aging at 40 then you need a face lift if you want to reverse the signs of aging. Choose a board certified PS and you will be happy.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

+2

No, but you probably won't benefit enough to make it worthwhile

There is no absolute age range for facelfits. In my practice women start seeking surgery around the mid forties while men the mid fifties. My job is to appraise the cost/benefits for the patients. Most patients who come in at age 40 decide to put off the surgery after we have made an analysis. There are some procedures that are done on younger patients resulting from familial traits such puffy eyelids or fat under the chin. They can make a younger patient look older but they are really... more

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

+2

Most likely it's too young

The symptom of aging that you are describing seem to me that possibly you've had a significant weight loss. It is not uncommon to show dramatic sings of aging after significant weight loss. This is due to loss of facial fat and decreasing health of the skin. If you have significant skin, a descending neck and jowling than you may be in need of a facelift. If not than fillers, perhaps even fat injections, maybe Botox and a good skin care program including peels is a good way to go. more

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

+2

It depends on how you are aging

Although 40 might sound young for a "face lift" - for some patients it is the correct procedure. Everyone ages at a different rate, and different parts of the face may age faster or slower. Some patients would benefit from full facial rejuvenation (face, eyes, and brow), while others only need the brow, and some just need the lower face addressed. It is not uncommon these days to have a patient who was heavy for a period of time, and now successfully reset their weight-point at... more

Michael A. Bogdan, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.drmichaelbogdan.com

+2

Consider Fat Grafting

Hello Amarine, Based on your description of things and the fact that you have already consulted with Surgeons who have not recommended a Facelift, I am going to assume that your anatomy (skin, jowls, neck to jaw ratio, etc.) is not favorable for even a mini-lift or S-lift. So heed their advice and wait until it is time when your anatomy will be more favorable for a Facelift that will give you results worth having. Now as far as your severe marionette lines, sunken cheeks and hollow eyes -... more

Kamran Jafri, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

40 is not too you if you are a candidate

Chronological age is no longer a primary determinant if you are a candidate for a facelift. If you are a candidate for the procedure from an anatomical sense, then you should consult with 2 - 3 surgeons in your area to explore your options.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

+1

Forty may not be too young for a facelift

It is an unfortunate fact that some of us age biologically faster than others. If this is the case with you, you are not too young to consider plastic surgery. However, you may not need a full facelift. Given your relatively young age, you may be a good candidate for a "mini" facelift such as the Lite Lift, LifeStyle Lift, or Quick Lift. These are less-intense facelift procedures that often yield more natural-looking results, and they are often as lasting as a regular facelift.... more

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

+1

40 is not too young

40 is not too young for a Facelift as long as you have the indications for surgery, I will not just operate on anyone, however, if you have the classical indications of facial aging and a surgical procedure would give you the best results in comparison to any other non surgical options I would give you that option. I do not use age as a predetermining factor for surgery but determine if anatomically the patient is ready for a surgical procedure.

Renato Saltz, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

www.saltzplasticsurgery.com

+1

Probably NOT too young for a Facelift

The best candidate for a facelift is a physically healthy person who is realistic in their expectations regarding the appearance of loose facial and neck skin. You do not need to wait until the signs of aging are severe, an increasing number of men and women elect to have facelifts performed at a younger age at the first signs of a sagging lower face - creating a less dramatic and less noticeable result than if they had waited longer. In general, a facelift performed at a younger age creates... more

Ross A. Clevens, MD
Melbourne Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drclevens.com

+1

The most common age for facelift surgery in my practice is around the 49-50 year mark.

The most common age for facelift surgery in my practice is around the 49-50 year mark. The youngest patient I have performed a facelift on was 39 years old. So, occasionally, it is appropriate to have this surgery at a younger age. The disadvantage of having this procedure performed at too young an age is that, while you will always look younger and better than you would have if you didn’t do the procedure, you will continue to age. As a result, you may be... more

Michael R. Macdonald, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmmacdonald.com

+1

What Is the Best Time for a Facelift?

Age has very little to do with whether one requires facial rejuvenation. I have performed facelifts in patients in their late 30’s that had significant marionette lines, wrinkles and jowling depending on their genetics and their environmental changes. I think the most important thing is the end goal to have a natural, youthful-looking face that does not look operated on or overdone. There are multiple combinations and variations that are short of a facelift from Botox and Fillers to... more

Rod J. Rohrich, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

+1

What is too young for a facelift?

There is no set age for a Facelift, it depends on how you are aging. You may be a candidate for the "short scar lift" and possibly combined with fat injections. It is most important to be evaluated by an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that performs these procedures. Be sure to see many before and after photos of work done on younger patients .

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+1

Age is not necessarily the only criteria

The youngest person I performed facial rejuvenation surgery on was 27 years old, the oldest one is 86. I do not think at the age alone determines whether you can or cannot have facial rejuvenation surgery. Because how old you are, forgive me, I meant how young you are, you may need a different procedure then somebody who is, say, 65 of 70 years old. Perhaps, volume adjustments, like fat grafting along with conservative facial rejuvenation procedure, or a short scar... more

Boris Volshteyn, MD, MS
Reno Plastic Surgeon

+1

Too Young for a Face Lift? No

While I have never done a full face lift in a patient that is 40, I did a mini-face lift in a 42 year old this week. It is very difficult to set an age cut off for any facial rejuvenation procedure. The important thing is to talk to your surgeon and come up with a plan for not only the next 1-5 years, but for the next 10-20-30+ years. This will help keep your look natural and refreshed forever. Facial rejuvenation is something that must be individually tailored to... more

John Bitner, MD
Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drjohnbitner.com

+1

Too young for a facelift?

Everyone's face ages differently depending on genetics, skin care, and environmental factors. Patients in their 40's may start noticing some jowling, loose neck skin, and even banding of the neck muscles. You may be an excellent candidate for a short scar facelift where the incisions are minimal and the lift improves the jawline and neck laxity. See an experienced facelift surgeon for a proper evaluation.

Etai Funk, MD
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Minilifts would be perfect for you

After an analysis, it is likely that a short scar minilift,adjusting facial fat and the fibrous tissue would be best. a newer vertical lift can augment your cheekbones and improve the nasojugal groove

Cap Lesesne, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

+1

Age limits for a facelift or facial surgery

Absolutely not. There are many reasons for premature skin laxity of the face, some genetic and some environmental. I would advise you to undergo a modified face lift to incorporate the improvements you would like to make.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

+1

Is 40 too young for a facelift

I would certainly like to see you consider microlipoinjection where fat is transfered in very small amounts to fill the face in - sometimes this is enough to lift up the face and support the skin. Without actually looking at you I can't tell if that is something that might be helpful or not. I have performed facelifts in younger people like you but only after discussion of all the other options that might be considered. See if you can avoid that big of a procedure... more

Douglas Stevens, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Facelift - Is 40 too young?

Although one shouldn't generalize and each patient is unique, forty does sound too young for a facelift. There are some patients that have medical conditions causing premature loss of skin elasticity that may be good candidates for a facelift even at age 40. Patients who have spent significant amounts of time under the sun, may have premature facial aging that a facelift may benefit. Therefore, there are exceptions. You mentioned several things that I... more

Peter Ashjian, MD
Bakersfield Plastic Surgeon

+1

Facelifts can rejuvenate your appearance

A qualified surgeon with expertise in facial rejuvenation should be consulted. 40 years old is young for a face-lift, but not totally impossible. In your case, some other facial rejuvenation procedure may be of benefit, or after consultation some form of face lifting may be appropriate.

Robert Mounsey, MD
Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

How young for a face lift

40 years of age is not too young for a face lift in some patients. A short scar face lift can benefit younger patients who have developed jowls and lost fullness in their cheeks. You should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. The American Board of Medical Specialties ONLY recognizes certain specialty boards including the most common one like Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Plastic surgery. Board certification in Facial plastic surgery or Cosmetc Surgery are not a boards... more

Ankit Desai, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

+1

How Young For a Facelift

40 is on the young side of facelift patients. Patients in this age range typically have good to fair elasticity in their skin and other procedures may offer comparable or even better options. The key determination is the skill and expertise of the surgeon in evaluating the face and issues at hand. For example, there are some patients who are 60 who are still not candidates for a facelift and would benefit instead from nonsurgical options.

Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Facelift at 40

It depends on where you are in the aging process. Only a qualified surgeon can tell you if you are a candidate for a face Lift. Face Lifts can dramatically refresh and rejuvenate the face, help restore youth, soften deep lines and eliminate relaxation of tissue especially at the jaw line and neck area.

Vivian Hernandez, MD
Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

A facelift at 40 is not too young if you are aging prematurely

There is really no standard age for a face lift however 40 is younger than the "average" age than the age we typically see women and men seeking a face lift. Most patients who are candidates for a "full" face lift are in their mid-50's to early 60's. I have had patients as young as 42 who were ready for a complete face lift but they were starting to age sooner than others in their same age range. It is also not uncommon for people in their mid-40's to early 50's to... more

Arnold Zweig, MD
Atlanta Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Typically 40 is young for a facelift

Forty is on the younger side of having to inquire about a facelift and we have certainly performed facelifts for patient of that age in our practice. The majority of facelifts are performed in men and women around 50 to 55 years of age. Marionette lines can be helped with a facelift, but it is important not to pull them so tight that you look like you came out of a wind tunnel or a category five hurricane. Sunken cheeks are best treated with cheek implants. The youngest person in our... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+1

Great Question - you have options

Hello, To date, there is nothing that approximates the aesthetic change that can come from a Facelift. However, not all face lifts are the same. Please take the time to look at the videos on my site. Then go to the procedures - before and after sections. You can also see actual footage of a laser vertical Facelift being preformed. If you still have questions, please contact me for more clarification.

Michael Kulick, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

+1

40 is not too young for facelift if you're good candidate

A good candidate for facelift is not based on your actual age but on skillful analysis of your face. Facial signs of aging such as sagging jowls, descended cheek pads and deepened nasolabial folds, neck laxity etc can all be successfully improved with a facelift. Some young patients with certain medical conditions such as cutis laxis can be excellent candidates. Thorough medical work up is advised, and these patients should be counseled that surgery is not a cure for their condition. more

Corey S. Maas, MD
San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon

+1

Both facelift and non-surgical options work well

It would help to see a picture of your face to give you a better analysis. In general conservative measures including fillers, Botox and lasers could work well but you are right regarding the cost. A face lift procedure will last longer and will correct many of these issues. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is a first step to get a better analysis. Hope that helps!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

+1

40 is not too young for Facelift, but consult plastic surgeons

No, but you should get 3 opinions from boarded plastic surgeons in your area. You may only need fillers, laser peel, mini facelifting, or a full face lifting. Go and find out.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

+1

Facelifts may be appropriate in some younger patients

A facelift may be an appropriate patient for someone in their early 40s is they are showing signs of early aging such as facial laxity, jowls, neck laxilty. More commonly, patients in their late 30s or early 40s may present with signs or periorbital or eye aging and would benefit from an endoscopic browlift, upper and lower blepharoplasty. Of course, this is not for everyone. There are some people in their late 60s, early 70s who may not require anything.

Sanjay Grover MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.doctorgrover.com

+1

Facelift vs. Fillers

Although you are a bit young, it sounds like you have a fair amount of facial aging - more than most 40-year-olds. If you have severely deep nasolabial folds and jowls that are significant, then a facelift may be the best thing for you. You are quite perceptive about the cost of fillers and the need to continue them. I am of the philosophy that sometimes a little bit of both (surgery and filler) can keep you looking rejuvenated without looking overdone with either!

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

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Is 40 Too Young for a Facelift?