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Medically Reviewed by:

Robert Applebaum M.D.

When Should You Consider a Facelift?

Most of us over the age of fifty have had the experience of looking in the mirror and wondering who that older person is looking back at us. This is because the image we see often does not coincide with the way we feel inside, and this has many of us considering a facelift procedure.

A facelift, medically known as a rhytidectomy, can be a very effective way to align our outer appearance with our inner vitality. When done properly, it can get rid of sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and excess fat in the lower face and neck. Yet, it is not uncommon for people to second-guess if they need this type of surgery, and leads others to question “When is the right time to consider a facelift?”

Recognizing the Signs: Is It Time for a Facelift?

The decision to undergo a facelift is highly personal, so though there may be external commonalities with many who decide to undergo this procedure, there is more to it than just those physical characteristics. Other factors that can play a role are your unique signs of aging, your aesthetic goals, and your overall health.

That being said, there are signs that may indicate it’s time to consider a facelift. These facial characteristics will often become more noticeable as we age as our skin loses its elasticity and volume.

Some of the more universal signs are:

  • Sagging skin in the mid to lower face and neck
  • Deep wrinkles around the mouth and nose
  • Excess fat or skin under the chin and jawline
  • Loss of muscle tone and a decrease in skin elasticity
  • A tired, worn, or aged appearance that doesn’t reflect how you feel inside

If you are consistently noticing these changes and they’re beginning to affect your self-confidence or the way you approach your daily life, these may be some of the initial signs to consider a facelift. If you find your appearance to be of continual concern, then it is a good idea to take the next step to determine if this procedure is right for and schedule a facelift consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. These experts can provide you with a professional assessment of your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the best course of action.

The Facelift Consultation: What to Expect

Though you may feel that a facelift procedure is right for you, however, no decision as significant as elective surgery can be made in a vacuum. Therefore, it is important you seek professional advice. A facelift consultation is a crucial step in your journey towards facial rejuvenation. It’s an opportunity to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations with a qualified plastic surgeon who can let you know your options, and whether this procedure is right for you.

During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your skin’s elasticity, facial structure, and overall health. They will also review your medical history and lifestyle factors that could impact the surgery or recovery.

In addition, you’ll discuss different facelift options. This not only covers traditional procedures but also non-surgical options and facelift alternatives. The surgeon will explain the benefits as well as any risks associated with each option, to ensure you are fully informed to make the best decision. Remember, a facelift consultation is not just about gathering information. It’s also about building a relationship with your surgeon. 

Exploring Facelift Benefits and Potential Results

A facelift can improve both your physical appearance and mental state. Physically, it can tighten sagging skin, reduce deep wrinkles, and remove excess fat. This results in a more youthful appearance and refreshed appearance, while enhancing your facial contours.

Psychologically, a facelift can boost self-confidence by eliminating some of the physical features of aging that often makes people self-conscious, leading to an improved quality of life. It not only does so by improving your appearance to others, but can also help to better align your appearance with how you feel inside.

Yet, while a face-lift procedure does offer these benefits, it is also important to have realistic expectations. A facelift can turn back the clock several years, but it does not stop the aging process, and acts as more of a clock reset than a time freeze. So while it is important to discuss all of its benefits, it is just as important to fully understand all of the potential results and should be talked about extensively with your surgeon during the consultation.

Non-Surgical Procedures vs. Facelift: Weighing Your Options

Not everyone who believes they need a facelift procedure are good candidates for one. However, this does not mean that there are no other options. Non-surgical procedures, such as facial fillers, can offer temporary solutions and effectively decrease the signs of aging. Facial fillers can add volume to areas that have lost fullness, as well as decrease the appearance of wrinkles. However, they do have limitations in that they may not be able to address significantly sagging or excess skin that a traditional facelift can correct. In addition, deeper wrinkles or large amounts of excess fat may also be better addressed through a facelift.

When weighing your options, consider the following:

  • The extent of your signs of aging
  • Your expectations for results
  • Your willingness to undergo surgery
  • The cost and longevity of each option

Maintenance Facelift and Mini Facelift: Understanding Less Invasive Alternatives

But what if you’re in the middle ground, in which your issues cannot be solved by less invasive procedures such as facial fillers but are not quite dramatic enough to require a traditional facelift procedure? For those who fall into the moderate signs of aging category, a less invasive alternative such as maintenance facelifts or mini facelifts may do the trick. These procedures typically involve smaller incisions and shorter recovery times than a full facelift.

A maintenance facelift, as the name suggests, is designed to “maintain” the results of a previous facelift. In other words, it is an excellent option for those who are starting to see signs of aging return but do not require another full facelift.

Others may have certain areas of their face that show aging, while other parts are largely unaffected by the passing of time. For those individuals, a mini facelift can be a fantastic option. A mini facelift  targets specific areas of the face, such as the jawline and neck. This allows the patient to address specific areas of concern without having to go through a full facelift procedure.

The Role of Skin Rejuvenation in Facelift Success

Sometimes, how you combine methods can help the effectiveness of the primary procedure, and this is true of skin rejuvenation techniques. These methods can play a crucial role in the success of a facelift. Skin rejuvenation techniques can help improve the texture and tone of the skin, complementing the lifting and tightening effects of a facelift.

Treatments such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microdermabrasion are effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes such as age spots. They can also stimulate collagen production, which can help to improve the firmness, fullness, and elasticity of the skin.

By combining a facelift with skin rejuvenation treatments, you can achieve a more comprehensive, effective, and natural-looking result. 

Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision on Facelift Surgery

Making the decision to have a facelift procedure is one that is deeply personal and requires expert input. Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Applebaum recommends that you consult with a board certified surgeon to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, as well as to learn about various options, so you can make an informed decision and have realistic expectations.

A facelift procedure can significantly improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence. Yet, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly and requires your full commitment to the recovery process as well as a willingness to maintain a healthy lifestyle to preserve the results.

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