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The optimal or best time to have or consider a facelift is when you view yourself in a mirror and see a face that no longer fits well with your energy level or how you view yourself. A Facelift lifts the fallen cheek, will smooth and tighten the jaw, neck skin and muscles. A truly natural Facelift does not pull or deform the face but, rather, rejuvenates in a manner that is natural appearing and maintains your personal identity. This requires time, a great deal of effort and artistry. Facelifts that rely upon pulling the tissues up with strings or threads or do not focus upon neck rejuvenation are less effective and often do not appear natural. Mini-facelifts or neck lifts do not address the entire facial aging problem. A Facelift which targets the neck, jawline and cheeks creates harmony and balance among the various facial components and; thus, creates a radiant appearance. So when should you consider a Facelift? Usually, the signs of aging creep up upon us, starting in the late 40s. However, there are some individuals that with significant weight loss or congenital predisposition require a Facelift earlier. Liquid Facelifts utilize facial fillers, such as Radiesse and Voluma to lift and contour the mid-face without surgery. These wonderful products, are comparable with the tissues of the face, replace volume loss that occurs in all faces over time. Facial fillers are not a substitute for a Facelift but can often postpone the need for one, especially if the main concern is volume loss rather than sagging skin. However, when the jaw-line shows jowls or the neck tissues sag it is time to consider a surgical Facelift. The scars are well hidden in the hairline and are placed along the ear contour to further reduce their visibility. When outpatient surgery(go home the same day) is performed with care and precision patients experience hardly any discomfort. The object is not to pull the face up, which distorts the mouth and facial appearance, but to gently lift, contour and smooth out all areas that require a natural revitalization. The final answer regarding should one wait to have a facelift is centered upon if you are psychologically prepared to have surgery and if you demonstrate characteristics of lax facial tissues. A Facelift is definitively an uplifting experience that gives lasting pleasure.
There is not one best age for a facelift. I perform many procedures for patients in their forties, and occasionally in their thirties if they have significant aging changes from weight loss, acne, or other reasons. I have also performed facelifts for many patients in their eighties, and even two in their early nineties. I do find that patients having surgery when aging changes are present but not pronounced have better results 12 to 15 years later than a patient with severe skin laxity and decreased skin elasticity.
There's no perfect age to undergo facelift surgery. Your eligibility for surgery is determined by the signs of aging present on your face, not your chronological age. An in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon can give you a definite answer. In the meantime, if you've noticed significant sagging and laxity around your jawline, chin, or neck, you're likely a good candidate. I wish you luck in your decision.
Without a photo or personal consultation, it isn't possible to offer advice about whether you would be a good candidate for a facelift. I can say that there are some people who can benefit from a facelift at 51. Age isn't the primary factor; rather, it's the extent of sagging tissue. I suggest consulting with one or more board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your specific concerns. It's possible that nonsurgical treatments may be the best path for now, but you must consider the ongoing maintenance costs versus the one-time price of surgery.
There's really no ideal age to have a facelift. Some patients would rather have the surgery at a younger age so they have many years to enjoy the results. Others really want a more dramatic change and wait until their 60's or even sometimes their 70's. It really depends on the individual and the most important thing would be to seek consultation with a very reputable facial rejuvenation specialist who can give you an honest opinion.
Facelift surgery is most effective for treating saggy jowls and loose skin especially in the chin and neck region. These are common occurrences with the aging process. These changes also do not occur at any particular age. I have performed first facelifts on patients in their 30s and others don't require a facelift until they are in their 60s. If you are looking in a mirror and using your hands to pull your jowls up back towards your ears, you may be a candidate. An experienced surgeon will inform you about all aspects of the surgery including expected results and also how long you as an individual would be expected to keep those results.
