The state of skin in your 60s is largely influenced by the decades that came before it. But even the best preemptive procedure, be it Clear + Brilliant in your 20s or a liquid facelift in your 40s, can do only so much, and eventually skin from head to toe will show the impact of time and gravity. For one, “as we age, our face and body lose volume and become less contoured,” says Encino, California, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrew T. Cohen.
To offset this, “fat transfer and fillers can help replace that volume and therefore create contour and fullness for a more youthful appearance,” he says. Some of these procedures, fat transfer included, can be applied below the face, targeting the hands, neck, and décolletage alike, for a more all-around youthful appearance.
Facelifts are another worthwhile option to consider; while they’re recommended in your 50s—the earlier, the better—it’s not too late to get one. It offers lifting, tightening, and contouring in a single procedure and remains one of the most popular plastic surgery choices. With that, the experts recommend these procedures for people in their 60s.
1. CO2 laser
While lasers make an appearance in almost any decade, carbon dioxide lasers (or CO2 lasers) are best saved for this moment. “Resurfacing the skin in your 60s can be a game changer,” says Dr. Cohen, who prefers the fractional CO2 laser by Deka Dot to rejuvenate skin texture. “The laser can be used to slough off the old skin and create new collagen.” The CO2 laser is more intensive than its counterparts, which often target pigment; instead, its beam goes for water molecules and vaporizes skin cells in the process.
They may sound unpleasant, but these controlled injuries trigger skin’s healing process—thereby delivering benefits. “As new skin is being created, the skin appears more firm and more even in tone,” Dr. Cohen explains. He’ll often pair a CO2 laser with a facelift to help with wrinkles around the mouth, which a facelift can’t necessarily improve—but, he says, it’s just as worthwhile on its own. That said, it’s worth noting that this treatment tends to be best for light skin tones, since it can lead to hyperpigmentation among dark skin types; there are safer options to consider instead, such as the Fraxel Dual 1550.
2. TCA peels
While light chemical peels, such as those with salicylic acid, may make an appearance in one’s 20s, the time-tested treatment still holds appeal for New York City board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele S. Green, who recommends seeking a deeper peel using a different formula.
Trichloroacetic acid, or TCA, peels vary from light to deep peeling, depending on the concentration and whether it’s paired with other acids. “TCA peels are one of the best types of chemical peels to remove fine lines, age spots, sunspots, and precancerous lesions,” says Dr. Green. Another advantage of the TCA peel is that the solution can be applied to smaller areas. For instance, she says, “it can also be used to treat the fine lines around the mouth.”
3. Neck rejuvenation
To address concerns around the neck, Dr. Green combines Sculptra Aesthetic, a biostimulatory filler that helps stimulate the body’s own collagen production, with Thermage, a noninvasive radiofrequency treatment. “By injecting Sculptra into the neck and décolletage, collagen is induced and the neck is rejuvenated and smoothed,” she says. “I pair it with Thermage, to tighten the skin.”
It’s a two-pronged approach for the neck area, which can have both wrinkles and sagging; together, the pair can make for an overall improvement. “Fine lines disappear, and a younger-looking appearance is the result,” she says.
4. Fat transfer
While dermal fillers can do the trick to add volume to the face, Dr. Cohen prefers fat transfer at this age; it can often serve as a two-in-one treatment, with the fat sourced via liposuction. “Plumping up the face with fillers is one option, but a more natural option is to use one’s own fat,” he says. “We harvest the fat right in the operating room and immediately inject it into areas of the face, to lift and give a more youthful appearance.”
Injected into the face, it can plump sunken cheeks, smooth folds, and generally be used in the same way as filler. However, it can also be placed in other areas of the body, to rejuvenate the hands or augment the breasts. Another advantage? While some fat gets resorbed into the body, most remains—delivering a more long-term result.
5. PRP injections
While they’re often lumped in with microneedling or used for hair growth, PRP injections can also work wonders when placed directly into the face. “Platelet-rich plasma injections for facial and under-eye rejuvenation are remarkable,” says Dr. Green. “[PRP] has the power to smooth the texture of the face and improve dark circles under eyes.”
The PRP comes from the patient’s own blood, which is drawn and processed so only the plasma remains; the plasma is packed with growth factors that can help spur the healing process and repair skin damage. Dr. Green places it in areas that benefit most from its smoothing, firming effects. “I inject nasolabial folds, jowls, and under-eye hollows,” she says.
