Am I a candidate for a facelift at 35 after developing skin laxity and sagging? (Photo)

A Mini Facelift can usually be an option on most realistic patients anytime after the age of 35-40. It really depends on your anatomy and genetics. It is best to talk to your surgeon because everybody has different techniques and recovery time is usually based on a number of factors. 
If we are just talking about a short scar facelift, this can typically be done in the office under local anesthesia. Usually there are no drains, no outside stitches, and patients can go out in public the same day, although I usually recommend they low for the first couple days. Most of the initial swelling is from the numbing medicine and your body absorbs it within the first 4-6 hours. Obviously the body heals with swelling and inflammation and usually that maxes out at two days and then starts getting better. Most of these patients take no pain medicine and usually feel very comfortable going out in public within a few days.  I usually call my patients the night of surgery and check on them the next day. If everything is fine the next day, I then let them shower and they do not need a dressing over their incisions. They can usually start using make up after a few days.  At the two week check up, I usually have people start working out and then after six weeks they can do whatever they want. 
I routinely tell people to take a few days to a week off work and to hide out but some people are very nervous especially celebrities and I usually tell them to hide out for two weeks. As with any scar on the human body, initially scars are red, hard and raised and it typically takes six months to a year for them to become a soft thin white line. 
Additionally with recovery, there're many things we do to expedite healing such as nerve blocks during surgery, oral supplements, skin care and scar therapy recommendations, lymphatic massage sessions that are included in our pricing.
I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.
Surgery is not for everyone. In today's day and age, there are many nonsurgical options to consider although surgery usually gets the most improvement specifically of the jowls.
I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of facelifts but also offers all the nonsurgical options such as injectables and laser treatments. Go over your concerns with them and make sure above all, you walk out of there with several options and an idea of the pros and cons to each of them as well as realistic expectations. 
I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.  

There are so many new minimally invasive procedures and devices that can help tighten skin in the face without undergoing surgery. I would recommend looking into non-surgical options.

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, a mini lift, with or without a neck lift would give improvement. I hope this helps.

I have done facelifts on people this young.  However, FaceTite, Ulthera, and other skin tightening options should be evaluated.  These often work best in younger people.

Hello Randy,
 It is not typical for someone to have a facelift in their 30's. Fillers are often used but do not provide the lasting results a surgical procedure can provide. 
 To this end, Dr. Kulick had to "re-do" a facelift in a woman in her 30's due similar questions that you have raised, undesirable fullness next to the corner of the mouth. If you go his website and look at patient case # 0036, you will see her initial results and the improvement provided by a laser vertical facelift, with a 2 year follow up. Dr. Kulick is very experienced when it comes to performing various facelift techniques and not all facelifts are the same. The usual procedure is a SMAS facelift. He has published a book describing his technique. He performs this procedure in a Hospital, outpatient setting vs. a surgery center as he feels your safety is of the highest priority!
If you have not done so yet, you can read about these procedures by going to his website, techniques section.
 If you are interested in learning more about the different types of procedures performed by doctors called “facelifts,” you can go to “photo gallery” heading then go to the Video section. You can see multiple videos about the laser vertical facelift.
 Often other procedures are performed with such a procedure. 
Please call our office if you have any other questions. Hopefully, this has been helpful.
 Sincerely,
 
Michael Kulick MD San Francisco, Ca.
   Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
   Member of ASPS, ASAPS
   Clinical Editor of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal
   Recipient of the Klingbeil Award from ASAPS – Teaching Safe Techniques and Advanced Technologies

Randy.  Sounds like you have been through a lot and I first recommend allowing your face to heal and allow all swelling to resolve before you consider any surgery or other procedures. After this time period, consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore the best options for you. A mini facelift may be an option or properly placed fillers may be all you need. Good luck. 

You should see several very experienced facelift surgeons who can show you natural results and examine your face to determine if it is too soon for any type of surgery. 

35 is a bit young to undergo a facelift but I have done it on a rare occasion with nice results.  Your picture suggest a facelift may be right for you but an examination would be needed to know for sure.

I would recommend volume enhancement using a number of techniques ranging from fat to synthetic fillers which will help symmetry and improve facial volume. When facial aging progresses to skin laxity and dissent, I recommend a micro or many facelift. I actually have found that patients who get treated surgically sooner end up looking better longer.
Sincerely, 
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
 

You do not appear to be a candidate for a facelift, based on your photographs.  There are a variety of fillers that can be used to replace lost volume in the face, so it is possible you could try a different filler or even fat transfer.