While there is no “one size fits all” answer as to the right time to consider facial rejuvenation surgery, there are some factors that patients should consider. Patients commonly choose to have facial rejuvenation surgery because they desire to correct specific areas of aging, need to maintain a youthful appearance for their career, or have an overarching desire to return to a more youthful appearance. No person is too old or too young to have facial rejuvenation surgery, but the results a patient can expect and the type of surgery that will be needed in order to achieve the best results does change as patients age. Having mini procedures, which are often less invasive, performed before aging becomes advanced helps patients maintain a more natural, youthful appearance. Many women today start considering facial rejuvenation procedures in their late 40s or early 50s.

One common misconception about facelifts that many people believe is that the results of the procedure are permanent. Unfortunately, facelifts do not stop the aging process, but they can wind back the clock. The results of facelifts vary depending on the type of procedure that is performed, so patients may turn the clock back ten plus years after the procedure. However, by the time they have aged another ten years, they will show a progression in age. Full facelifts are designed to address deeper structures of the face instead of just the surface of the skin, and these procedures can provide results for approximately 10 to 15 years. Other procedures, such as those focusing on lifting the eyes, brows, and midface can also last between 10 and 15 years. Less invasive procedures that address only the skin are likely to last between five and ten years.

Many patients are concerned that a full facelift will cause unnatural results and are more comfortable with the idea of resurfacing the facial skin with a laser or a radiofrequency. This type of procedure does offer short term results and can improve the appearance of skin by reducing sun damage and fine lines while achieving an element of tightening. However, the skin will not be tightened and lifted to the same extent as would occur with a facelift. Some patients choose to have a full face resurfacing performed at the same time as a facelift in order to maximize the results of the procedure. However, only a facelift can directly address the excess skin and aging of deeper facial structures, such as the cheeks.

Everyone wants a facelift that looks natural, and concerns over an unnatural appearance following the procedure are among the biggest fears held by many patients. Dr. Applebaum prides himself on performing facelifts that look so natural and graceful that people on the street would never guess you’ve had a procedure at all. Dr. Applebaum prevents an unnatural appearance by lifting the deeper underlying SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system-platysma muscle) at the same time as the skin. This technique reliably delivers a natural appearance, well-hidden scars, and facial structures that appear normal, natural, and youthful. With nearly 30 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation surgery, you can count on Dr. Applebaum to deliver natural results that stand the test of time.