Should I wait until after menopause to have a facelift?

Question

I have been told by some that having facial plastic surgery procedures before menopause won't last as long due to loss of estrogen. Does it make any difference ?

Guy Watts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. The timing of facial rejuvenation is not dependent on menopause and you should not use this as your indicator. Although the hormonal changes that occur with menopause can speed some of the signs of ageing they do not relate to the longevity of your rejuvenation procedure. The timing for facial rejuvenation is a personal choice and is more dependent on your unique ageing profile. Some women develop early and exaggerated signs of ageing and may benefit from earlier intervention, others show minimal signs of tissue laxity and decent for many years and can leave their intervention until a later age. My personal philosophy is maintenance - staged procedures directed at specific signs of ageing that range from non surgical to surgical timed uniquely to your ageing profile. I hope that helps.Best of luck!RegardsDr Guy Watts

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Gennifer88,The most important aspect of surgery is one's health. Your surgeon, anesthesiologist and everyone else in the operating room is most concerned with monitoring your health during the surgery. For that reason, you should consult a board certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and to clarify that you are healthy enough for surgery.

Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS · Answer

Menopause, frankly, does not play a physiologic role in how your facelift would proceed. The most important thing is that you get a good evaluation from a boarded and experienced surgeon.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

All of this go through physiologic changes as we pass through life. I can see no reason why menopause should be an influence on the timing of aesthetic procedures on the face.

Bryan G. Forley, MD · Answer

There is no reason to wait until after menopause to have a facelift or any other procedure you seek for self-improvement. The more important consideration is to be evaluated by a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to discuss your concerns and determine what would be the best options for you.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

Hi, there is no reason to wait until menopause- estrogen effects should not significantly affect your facelift results.  One philosophy states that the earlier one has a facelift (assuming that one is a candidate), the more time one has to enjoy the results.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

I have never counseled anyone to time their facelift after menopause. If I feel that you have enough skin laxity, jowling, neck banding, loss of jaw line and neck definition, then you would benefit from a facelift. The longevity of a facelift depends on a few factors, but menopause is not one of them. Patients with significant sun damage along with significant skin laxity usually require some sort of touch up after a few years, but that is due to their skin quality and is usually anticipated prior to the procedure.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

There is no right age for a facelift.  A facelift is beneficial to you when you start developing signs of aging that do not respond to Botox and fillers.  There is no benefit to waiting.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Menopause is a culprit for many problems but if you have a sagging face and neck the time is now to solve the problem. Facelift results are excellent in pre- menopausal through post-menopausal circumstances. No need to wait and why not start enjoying the results.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

It is not necessary to wait until after menopause to have a face/neck/cheek lift. You need to see an experienced Board Certified PS and after exam he/she will outline the best treatment plan for you. The earlier you start treating the signs of aging-- the sooner you can slow those changes down and prolong your youthful appearance.

Should I wait until after menopause to have a facelift?

Answers (20)

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