42 years old. Is it time for a facelift?

Hello,The short answer is 'yes,' it is time for a face lift.  Years ago, facelifts were reserve for patients in their later years (50s and up) but today, many patients are requesting procedures to rejuvenate their faces at a younger age, all with the goal of maintaining (rather than restoring) a youthful appearance.  I recommend a "maintenance" face lift for you to address your concerns of jowls and to soften your "lid-cheek junction" which will improve the appearance of dark circles. I would also recommend facial fat grafting to restore volume and contour through your mid-face. My approach would be less aggressive (albeit very meticulous as always) because you have focal areas of laxity and descent.  I also collaborate with my wife, Board certified dermatologist Dr. Noëlle Sherber, to perform laser resurfacing and advise on results-oriented skincare regimen, since surgery is good at lifting but poor at improving skin surface texture, tone and radiance.  Combining the best of plastic surgery and dermatology helps our patients achieve superior results for the long term. All my best,Dr. Rad

From your photos it appears that you have looseness over your lower cheeks, jowls and neck area. You are a very good candidate for a S-Lift procedure that specifically addresses these areas. This procedure has a quick recovery, gives a natural look and can be performed without general anesthesia.  It can be very effective in treating your areas of concern.

No longer is 42 considered too young for a facelift. It's common to have the first lift at your age or even younger. Once the face begins to sag and you notice sagging cheeks, the beginnings of jowls and loose or sagging neck skin, you will benefit from a facelift (rhytidectomy). I would also suggest resurfacing your skin with laser therapy to stimulate the production of collagen. This will give your lift a real “wow” effect. Regular laser treatments, plus a medical grade skin-care regimen and sun protection could help your facelift last 10 years or more. A facelift, lasers and skin care will give you a more satisfactory and long-lasting result than continually re-administering dermal fillers. I hope this helps.

Thank you for sharing your photos. And the answer is yes! You would have great results with a facelift, and after the evaluation we could determine if it's necessary to transfer fat to your face.
I hope my answer will help you to your question.Before undergoing any surgical procedure, please seek a board certified plastic surgeon

Than you for your question.  It is certainly looks like you would benefit from getting rid of the jowls and neck laxity. Most doctors who specialize in facelifts believe that patients in their late thirties early forties can benefit from from surgical facial rejuvenation.Best wishes!Dr. Konstantin

Thank you for the great question and your photos. The truth is that there isn't a right answer. People age differently. Some of this is exposure -- sun, smoking, medications, diet, etc. -- but a lot of it is just genetics. While there are some great non-surgical treatments available for patients in your situation (e.g., ThermiTight), these have limitations. It is a deeply personal decision to undergo facial rejuvenation surgery, and it should be taken seriously. Age is a factor, but it certainly is not the only one. I recommend meeting with a handful of board certified surgeons to hear as many options as possible before coming to the best plan for you. Take care and good luck.

Answer these two questions and you will know:1.) Do you have the anatomic changes that will be best addressed with a modern facelift technique?2.) Do these issues bother you to the point that you are ready to do something about it?These are the 2 questions that all patients should answer because there are plenty of people at age 42 like yourself who would be wonderful candidates for a facelift.  Some people think that they have to wait until 60+ for surgery, but that is simply not the case.  Age should not be the key factor in the analysis of when to have this life changing procedure.  Seek a consultation with a facelift expert for help with question #1 then you can confidently answer #2 on your own.  

The bottom line is that you are not too young to address your neck and jaw line as well as your jowls. Some people age in that area sooner than others. In addition, if you address those areas at a younger age, the results typically last a lot longer. That being said, I think you would be a good candidate for a mini lift or a minimally invasive facelift. Good luck in your area.

Thanks for sending the question and picture.   As indicated a physical exam would be necessary before giving a full surgical plan.  However based on the  images provided you look like you could consider a short scar lift.. Often patients your age start with fillers, botox, and laser resurfacing and radio frequency devices  to enhance their looks.   To best deal with facial laxity, towel formation and neck bands is a surgical facelift regardless of age. 

Hello! If your jowls are your main concern, a lift definitely is the best treatment. Fillers help to maintain and correct volume deficiency but typically will not make a jowl disappear. Find an experienced facial plastic surgeon and discuss your goals. Good luck!