48 years old - is a surgical lift jumping the gun? (photos)

Question

I want to lift the cheeks, tighten the jowls and soften nasolabial lines. I'm interested in a mini lift and have saved the cost for the procedure. I'm 48 and had a temporal brow lift about 6 years ago. I've done some voluma in the cheeks a few years ago but feel it's time for more dramatic correction. My question- is a surgical lift jumping the gun? I feel that filler and Collagen stimulators is a less cost effective option.

Sergei Kalsow, MD · Answer

Hi, you do not have much skin laxity, but you do have a little.  On the oblique photo there is some extra skin on your neck.  So you would see some difference with a facelift, but not a huge difference.  If you are okay with that, then yes you are a candidate.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thank you for providing photos along with your question. Based on these images, it appears you have mild to moderate skin laxity and loss of volume, which can be addressed non-surgically with skin-tightening treatments and injectables. But if you prefer a more permanent solution, a mini facelift, which is less aggressive than a traditional facelift might be the best choice for early signs of aging.

There really is no perfect age for a facelift. It will all depend on your skin condition, your long-term goals, and how genetics play into your personal aging process. The best way to determine your eligibility for a facelift, or any other procedure, is by scheduling an in-person consultation with a reputable board-certified facial plastic surgeon. An experienced surgeon should be able to perform an accurate assessment through a visual examination of your skin quality, determine if you are a candidate for a facelift, and provide the best possible outcome for your chosen procedure/s.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear conmom7, 
Thanks for sharing your photos. You look awesome at 48. You have gorgeous features with a bit of senescence in skin texture. I see the beginnings of laxity but not enough for skin excision surgery (ie, facelift). Please consider skin tightening, firming, exfoliation, some filling for symmetry and cheek accentuation and possibly threadlifting of the jowl and marionette folds. Please:
•	Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon skilled with facial cosmetic non-surgical, minimally invasive and surgical experience.
•	Non-surgical: Zein Obagi, MD ZO Skin Health certified team for retinoids and chemical peels
•	Minimally invasive: filler and fat grafting, thread facelift, Sculptra
•	Surgical: possibly eyelid lift / ptosis repair (see a Board Certified OculoPlastic Surgeon). A facelift is premature and will offer little for the scar and side-effects. 
I hope this is helpful. All the best!

48 years old - is a surgical lift jumping the gun? (photos)

Answers (3)

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