Is There an Age Range for Facelifts?

I would like to provide you with the “answer” to a looming question that many of my patients have. When I have patients that are interested in a facelift, many of them are either asking, “Am I too young?” or “Am I too old?”

Here’s the reality of the procedure: I have had patients in their 20s, and I have also had patients in their late 60s. Surprised? Some of my younger patients experience significant weight loss, for example, which often leaves a lot of loose skin. What matters much more than your age is your overall health: If your body is healthy enough for surgery and the procedure could improve your appearance, then you’re a good candidate for  facelift surgery in Austin.

If you are considering a facelift, here’s what you should know:

Most of our patients undergoing facelift surgery are between 40 and 70 years old. As I said before, there isn’t a definitive age cut-off when it comes to receiving a facelift. Instead, determining whether you are a candidate is a medical judgment, and it’s up to the doctor. Most older patients are seeking a facelift so that they can rejuvenate their face and/or correct drooping neck skin.

Our younger patients sometimes have looser skin than most, are experiencing a lack of volume, and have developed sagging facial tissue.

If you’re not sure that a facelift is right for you, there are alternative procedures. As we age, facial tissue sags — but it also loses volume. When the latter is the primary condition, a facelift may not be the best choice. If you have a thin face or are simply looking for something other than a facelift, you can consider fat grafting or injectable fillers. Fillers can smooth out the appearance of wrinkles and can also add volume for a “lifted” appearance.

There are no dietary restrictions associated with a facelift. While there aren’t any significant dietary changes, some of our patients find it more comfortable to stick with liquids or soft foods for several days. Please keep in mind that you will have restrictions on certain medications.

Please be as transparent as possible with your doctor when discussing your facelift: Even common supplements and painkillers can lead to more postoperative bleeding and bruising, so your surgeon needs a comprehensive understanding of anything you take regularly.

The recuperation process following a facelift is not overly painful. Swelling will peak around the fourth day and then gradually dissipate. Numbness and tightness around the face and neck is normal.

Several of our patients have expressed that they feel ready to resume their normal, day-to-day activities before they look ready to resume those activities. You will experience swelling and bruising in the neck area, which means that while your energy may return, you may not feel entirely comfortable going out for the first couple of weeks. If your only barrier is self-consciousness, remember that makeup can be your friend.

You will be left with facial scars, but these are well concealed and generally heal quite well. We’ll be sure to check in on your progress throughout the healing process to make sure that’s the case for you, too.