Am I too old at 74 to have a facelift? (Photo)

As long as you are cleared by your Doctor, you can have a facelift. A significant degree of sagging and wrinkling is best remedied with a full rhytidectomy (facelift). With volume loss in the mid face, this can be improved with fat grafting done during the facelift. I’d also recommend a neck lift with platysmaplasty to fix any sagging of the chin and neck, plus a chemical peel to improve the wrinkling and stimulate the production of new collagen. Microneedling could help improve the scars. I hope this helps!

Facelift surgery can be safely carried out at age 74 and beyond if you are in good health. At a consultation, a surgeon will review your past and present health and make recommendations as to which face lift is the best approach for you.

Age is not a factor as much as your health. If you get clearance from your physician you should be able to proceed with surgery. be sure to choose a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Good luck.

In my practice we routinely perform facelifts on older patients, provided that certain factors are taken into consideration. First, an internist performs a thorough evaluation for medical clearance. Second, the surgery and anesthesia is performed in such a fashion that there is minimal strain on the cardiovascular system.  Local anesthesia and twilight sedation carries the least risk for patients.

There are several different types of facelift techniques that are currently performed by facelift surgeons. The most important factor is that the technique that is used by a facial surgeon will create a youthful, natural with long lasting result. Experience is the key in facial rejuvenation. Vectors of facial tightening vary from patient to patient. For a 45- 50-year-old patient, I would not apply the same vector and tension that I normally apply to a 70-year-old face. In addition, direction of vectors must be modified during secondary or tertiary facelift to avoid artificial look.  I have performed well over 3000 face and neck lifts and published a specific technique that describe the rotational angles and amount of tension that must be applied during SMAS plication to avoid over or under tightening.  A well-performed neck lift during facial rejuvenation is the paramount in a youthful-appearing face. I apply gradual tension on my SMAS as follow: starting at temple area there is only 20-30% tension on muscle plication, once at the jawlines the muscle is tightened 100%. This prevent pulled looked at the corner of mouth. In neck area the muscle must be tighten with greater tension than 100%, depending on the neck laxity.  Look at the doctor’s before and after pictures, a talented and experienced facelift surgeon will have a smooth and well-contoured neck that enhances the facelift results.  There is no substitute in experience and artistic eyes.

Thanks for your question.  Based on your picture, it appears you have genetics on your side.  The age of a facelift patients isn't as important as their general health and health history.  When undergoing any surgery, it's important to be healthy to avoid complications, adverse results or a prolonged recovery.  I would recommend you seek a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area who specializes in facelifts and facial rejuvenation.  Be sure to ask to see before and after pictures of previous patients for examples of their work.Best of luck.Dr. Philip Solomon, Solomon Facial Plastic, Toronto, Canada

First of all, I have to say you look amazing at 74. This is no doubt a result of a healthy lifestyle, so congratulations! As for age and surgical risk, I look more at a patients overall health rather than at the chronological age. As you know, some people in their 70's are very healthy, and others not so much. As long as a person is healthy from a cardiopulmonary standpoint and doesn't have any other risk factors, I would have few reservations in proceeding with a facelift surgery at your age.

Thank you for your picture and question. The bottom line is that there is no age that is "too old" to have a facelift. Your general health and medical history is far more important than your age. As for what procedure you need, beware of things like the "concept facelift." These are often trademarked procedures that are used as advertising when in reality are nothing more than a standard procedure spun in a new mold to make them seem different and better and to set that surgeon apart. Rather than be a puppet to marketing, make sure you are seeing a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to discuss the surgical options which might be best for you.Good luck!

At your age, as long as you are healthy, you should be fine to undergo a facelift.  Its best to have a personal consultation to go over your health history with the surgeon.

Yes, you can have a facelift at 74. With a facelift, the neck skin  would be elevated, tightened and the excess skin removed. The jowls (which are hanging down on either side of the jaw line near the mouth) would be eradicated. The sagging cheeks would be lifted. There is no doubt you would look significantly younger, and more fresh.
Sincerely, 
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

As long as you are healthy and medically cleared, you can have a successful facelift.  The procedure can be tailored to your particular situation so you get a nice result with minimal downtime.