I'm 30 years old with nasolabial folds -- am I too young for a facelift? (Photo)

From the very limited photo, it looks to me that you are way too young for a facelift.  Frankly, I'm bothered that you would even be considering such an invasive surgery at your age.  I'm sorry that society has made you be so critical of yourself.  Your jawline is nice, especially how you are tilted down in the photo.  Maybe get some fillers or some laser/thermage tightening if it really bothers you. Don't let anyone talk you into, or lessen the seriousness of, a facelift or other surgery.  My 2 cents...

At the age of 30, it is usually better to try fillers to blunt the nasolabial folds before undergoing surgery. Also, your jawline does not really look heavy - that is what a facelift treats. In addition to the filler, keeping up with excellent skin care, with possibly adding an Ultherapy treatment would be the thing to do.

Thank you for your question. I purposely keep pictures of babies in my office to show patients that, yes, babies have nasolabial folds and marionette lines, and we don't consider them to be unattractive. They are a feature of a normal human face. We just don't want them to be too deep. From what I can see in the picture, you are a candidate for injectable fillers, if anything (your folds appear fairly mild). Regarding surgical options, I never tell patients that a facelift is meant to improve nasolabial folds, although it can often improve them and that is a beneficial side effect. I would stick to the fillers for now, if anything.

Correction of the nasal-labial folds is easily performed with one of the many different hyaluronic acid fillers on the market.
Skin tightening can be performed with one of many different devices out there with radio frequency or heat applications.Hope this helps.

Thank you for your question and providing an image. While you don’t look to be a facelift candidate, if you’re strongly bothered by your nasolabial folds you can always schedule an in-person consultation regarding possible facial fillers.

In deed you are too young for a facelifit, dermal fillers are the choice in this case to fill out the hollow nasolabial folds, You can use a medium densitiy hyaluronic acid filler like Volift. Hope this helps you in your option search. ! best regards!

In my experience smile lines in 30 year olds can be easily treated with fillers, and I generally don't recommend facelifts to 30 year olds.  Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations. Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search. 

You do not yet have enough sagging to justify a facelift. Concentrate on preventing sun damage by protecting your skin with sunscreen, hats and clothing. Have your dermatologist recommend a medical-grade skin care regimen with retinol and hyaluronic acid. Get regular chemical peels. If you do start to see some jowling, the first surgical procedure I’d recommend is a mini lift, with or without a neck lift, depending on your needs. I hope this helps.

At this point, it does not appear you are a candidate for a facelift.  I would suggest correcting the nasolabial folds with filler injections.  Fillers will help to smooth the folds, providing immediate results with no down time.  I suggest you followup with a surgeon specializing in facial cosmetic surgery for a consultation.  Good Luck!

Thanks for your picture.  Yes, you are not a candidate for a facelift.  You may want to seek consultation for facial fillers to treat your nasolabial. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Based on
your photograph, you may benefit from fillers instead of a facelift.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon