Surgeons Agree: Best Age for Facelift is Individual to You

Published July 21, 2012 by Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown

Am I too old for a facelift? Is it too early for me to be considering a facelift? Cosmetic surgeons are often asked these types of questions by patients who are uncertain about their facelift surgery options. While it’s true that most facelift procedures are performed on patients between the ages of 40 and 60, most surgeons agree that there is no “best age for facelift” for everyone. There may, however, be a best age for your facelift.

When is the best age for your facelift? This depends on a number of different factors. Here are some of the things that you should consider when it comes to the best age for your facelift.

• Has your face begun developing significant signs of aging, such as sagging jowls and deep lines?
• When do the signs of aging tend to appear in your family?
• What changes in your life do you hope that facelift surgery will offer?
• When would be the best time for you to take a week or more from work to fully recover from surgery?

Choosing to have your facelift earlier or later can also have certain benefits.

Facelift in Your 40s and Early 50s

• Often requires a smaller procedure with a shorter recovery time.
• More subtle changes to your face with an earlier procedure.
• Reap the rewards of facial rejuvenation during the peak of your working career.

Facelift in Your Late 50s and 60s

• Easier to take time off for surgery as you approach retirement age.
• Dramatic results that may be more likely to last into your sunset years.

Generally, the best age for your facelift surgery will be around the time when deeper signs of aging, such as deeper wrinkles and sagging jowls, begin to appear on your face. A board-certified cosmetic surgeon can discuss your facelift options in detail and suggest the best strategy for your needs and priorities.