When it comes to surgery designed to improve your appearance, it can be hard to define the right or wrong age for the procedure – but we can provide a helpful guide.
When considered for the procedure, a facelift candidate can discuss how their age may influence the procedure’s results. Certain ages may also not be suitable for the procedure – it all comes down to the level of facial ageing that a facelift candidate has.
In this blog, we’ll discuss how age is considered when it comes to facelifts and who we consider a suitable candidate. If you would like advice based on your own individual circumstances, features, and goals, we recommend contacting our team at Form & Face in Sydney to book your consultation with Dr Benjamin Norris.
Dr Norris is an experienced and fully qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Sydney Surgeon specialising in cosmetic surgery, including facelifts.
What is a facelift?
A facelift is a type of cosmetic surgery that tightens and lifts the skin on the face and neck. It involves making small incisions, usually around the hairline and ears, to adjust the underlying tissue and muscles. The skin is then repositioned, and any excess is removed.
The procedure is often chosen by those who want to reduce visible signs of aging, such as skin laxity or deep lines and wrinkles. Although recovery can take some time, the results can last many years.
Is there a suitable age for a facelift?
A variety of factors will be discussed to determine whether someone is a suitable facelift candidate, and age is just one factor. Age is usually considered when assessing a candidate for a facelift as it can influence the condition of the skin on the face, the level of facial ageing, and overall health.
While it’s hard to say that a procedure is only suitable for a certain age, facelifts are often considered by those who are over the age of 40, as this is when changes in the skin and facial structure become more noticeable.
However, a suitable patient will still have some level of elasticity in the skin to be considered suitable. Bone structure can also be considered, as a defined and strong bone structure can also positively influence the results, as it provides the foundation that supports the adjustments made during the surgery.
When it comes to health, a facelift candidate will need to be in good general health. Factors such as past or current health conditions or past surgeries performed in the area will need to be taken into consideration, despite the candidate’s skin condition or age.
What age or factors make someone unsuitable for a facelift?
We can’t say that there’s necessarily a wrong time to undergo a facelift, but facelifts are generally not recommended for younger patients who only have mild signs of ageing.
Sometimes, mild, visible signs of ageing may be effectively addressed with less invasive treatments, such as laser, microneedling or ultrasound treatments.
If a patient has a facelift too early, the changes that can still occur on the face down the track (due to the natural ageing process) can significantly change the patient’s original results and may prompt the need for another procedure in the future.
Generally, a facelift candidate should have moderate to severe signs of ageing, which can often be reflected in those over 40.
Other factors that can make a candidate unsuitable include certain health conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or a tendency to form excessive scar tissue. However, candidates with these conditions may be suitable for another form of non-surgical treatment, which can still achieve noticeable results.
How age can influence the results of a facelift
As you may have gathered, the results of a facelift can vary depending on the patient’s age and skin quality.
However, the results can also vary from patient to patient, as each person will have their own individual factors that can influence their results. No two patients are the same, and individual features, facial anatomy and healing abilities will also need to be factored in when it comes to predicting the results of a facelift.
Generally, for patients in their 40s and early 50s who typically have more elastic skin and less advanced signs of aging, the results can be more subtle and long-lasting. At this stage, a facelift might be able to address more moderate signs of ageing, while the skin’s natural elasticity helps maintain the results in the longer term. For those in their late 50s and 60s, the results can be more noticeable, as this age group often experiences deeper lines and more significant skin laxity.
For those in their 70s and beyond, a facelift can still achieve noticeable results, but the results might be less significant than those undergoing a facelift earlier due to the skin’s reduced elasticity and the presence of more pronounced signs of ageing. When patients want to have a facelift at this age, the goal is usually to create minor changes instead of a more extensive change.
When we consider age, it all really comes down to the level of skin laxity, line and wrinkles and other signs of facial ageing, which you can get a better idea of during your consultation with your surgeon.
Book your facelift consultation with Dr Benjamin Norris at Form & Face
Determining whether a facelift is the right choice for you begins with a thorough consultation with your surgeon.
When considering a facelift, choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon is the most important step.
Based in Sydney, Dr Benjamin Norris is a fully qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, with particular knowledge in cosmetic procedures, including facelifts. During a consultation, he can assess your level of facial ageing and advise whether or not a facelift is a suitable choice.