I am in my early 40s and looking at deep plane facelifts and upper blepharoplasty. Are there benefits to early surgery?

Question

I am in my early 40s and primarily bothered by nasolabial folds, lumpiness around the lips, and uneven droopiness in my eyelids, so I am looking at deep plane facelifts and upper blepharoplasty (I am East Asian). My question: does doing these procedures earlier, with a less dramatic pre-op reduce the risk of poor results in any way? Does it make it easier for the surgeon from any standpoint, and shift the balance and make desirable results more likely to attain? Thank you so much in advance!

Jigar Sitapara, MD · Answer

Good morning from Washington DC,Thank you for your question (it is a super common question by the way, so you are not alone). The short answer is that doing a lift while younger doesn't necessarily make things easier from a surgery standpoint. The likelihood of a "good" outcome isn't largely affected by your age although there are some factors that work against you as you grow older. As we age our skin gets thinner, so yes, technically, an older facelift patient may have a higher likelihood of some contour irregularities but this is a very rare issue. Healing can be faster when you are younger, but it still takes 2-3 weeks of social down time no matter what your age. I think a better question is if you truly are a surgery candidate (many people in their early 40's are not, but this is not always the case). I would recommend you see a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in deep plane facelifts in person, so they can examine you and talk to you about your goals. Finding someone who is honest and not afraid to tell you "it's not time yet" is going to be the key. Best of luck and I hope this helps!Jigar Sitapara, MDChevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Age is an inconsequential factor in achieving favorable facelift results. The experience and technique of the surgeon play a much more important role in producing the desired aesthetic. If you are found to be a candidate, angulating a droopy neckline and lower face while addressing deep nasolabial folds are steps often taken during a facelift procedure. This surgery can also be combined with blepharoplasty to achieve your desired results in a single surgical session. I recommend scheduling an in-person consultation with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. They will be able to answer any questions you have and help you decide on the right treatment options for you.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Great question and very nuanced. Surgeons will only perform the facelift if you are a candidate for a facelift. So assuming you are a candidate for a faceilft at 40 years old, means you have enough lower face laxity or loose skin, that will make a difference and enought upper eyelid skin to remove, to improve appearance and contour.

You are correct, that the before and after pictures in younger patients are 'less dramatic' when compared to patients in thier 50's, 60's, 70's- I am not sure what you mean by, 'reduce the risk of poor results'- if you are referring to risks of complications, then the risks are exactly the same as anyone else. Depends on the experience of your surgeon.

Does it make it easier for the surgeon- i would argue that it makes it more difficult in younger patients, as the closure has to be super meticulous as there are less lines and wrinkles within which to camouflage the scars/incisions, do definitely find a surgeon with LOTS of facelift experience.

Does it lead to more desirable results?  That is a question that is extremely subjective, as it depend on the patients expectations having been met. So as long as you and your surgeon have agreed on whats possible and expectations have been explained, then the surgical process and journey has to be trusted.

Hope this helps.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It’s young for a facelift. Also nasolabial folds are the thing that a facelift doesn’t correct very well. I wouldn’t recommend it

I am in my early 40s and looking at deep plane facelifts and upper blepharoplasty. Are there benefits to early surgery?

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Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

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I am in my early 40s and looking at deep plane facelifts and upper blepharoplasty. Are there benefits to early surgery?

Answers (4)

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

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Everything you need to know about Deep Plane Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.