Is There Really an Optimal Age for Your Facelift?

Dr. Philip Miller

May 29, 2018

In the facial plastic surgery industry, there truly is no “magic age” when a facelift is most effective or achieves the best results. Facelift surgery has been helping patients in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and up for many decades, advancing with every passing year to offer more specialized and customizable results where needed. Despite all of this, research conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that there might be a “golden” timeframe where facelifts can deliver the best results for the long-term.

Facelifts and Maintenance Facelifts

Facelift surgery is designed to address the drooping, wrinkled skin that comes with exposure to time and gravity. Other factors can also contribute to how early and how quickly this damage becomes evident, including heredity and genetics, sun damage, and other environmental exposure. Today, many younger patients in their 30s are wandering into facial plastic surgery clinics in search of their “first facelift,” the foundation surgery that will turn back the clock and help them age gracefully for years to come.

Traditional facelift surgery in New York begins with incisions that are made at the hairline, continuing in front of and behind the ears, then extending to the lower scalp. Your facial plastic surgeon will then redistribute fat from the lower face and neck to other areas or remove the excess with liposuction techniques. The muscles will then be lifted and tightened to provide firmer support to the lower portion of the face. Finally, the skin is repositioned and the excess trimmed away before the incisions are closed.

Most facelifts will deliver results that last over a decade, with many patients seeking a secondary or maintenance facelift within eight to 12 years (on average). A maintenance facelift may include many of the same techniques and steps, but will likely be conducted more delicately so as not to overcorrect the lower portion of the face. Discuss your options for first and subsequent facelift surgeries with your facial plastic surgeon for the best advice tailored to your unique needs.

Patients With the Best Long-Term Results

When it comes to having a facelift procedure with staying power, there may just be a “perfect age.” According to recent research, patients who have their first facelift surgery before the age of 50 tend to experience the longest-lasting satisfaction with their surgical results. Compared to patients ranging from 50 to 60 and then over 60 years old, patients under 50 had the highest and most consistent satisfaction rates at their short- and long-term check-ins.  They were also perceived to be better able to care for their results in the long-term, thus preserving their youthful appearance for a longer period of time. Patients in the other groups were less satisfied as time went on and felt the need for a secondary facelift much sooner than their younger counterparts.

What That Means for You

If you’re under 50 and considering a facelift, it’s time to get moving! Your age group on average sees the best results that last the longest, so you’ll get the most for your money by investing in a facelift at this time in your life.

If you’re in the 50 to 60 age group, don’t let these research results discourage you. There are many patients in this age bracket who still experience high rates of satisfaction over the long-term.All this means is that you may need to add a little bit of extra skincare to your daily routine. Wear sunscreen, learn about medical-grade skin care, and consult with professionals who can help you devise a strategy to maintain your facelift results.

If you’re over 60 and having your first facelift, you may experience more sudden age-related changes following your procedure than younger patients would. Still, this is nothing to prevent you from having the surgery that will help you achieve the look you want. Your facial plastic surgeon can guide you through the process and what to expect from your results; even if your results last eight years instead of 12, nothing can take back the 10 years you removed with your facelift surgery! Keep a positive attitude and be involved in your treatment; success will be yours if you know how to plan your facelift right.

Get Started With the Right NYC Facial Plastic Surgeon

If it feels like the perfect time to start planning your own first (or maintenance) facelift surgery, connect with the right facial plastic surgeon. By choosing a credentialed, experienced plastic surgeon, you can maximize the results of your procedure. Dr. Philip Miller has specialized exclusively in facial plastic surgery, offering over 20 years of experience and knowledge to his patients.

A recognized expert in facial rejuvenation procedures, Dr. Miller has been frequently invited to share his specific techniques with his peers at various national facial plastic surgery meetings. He has been voted among the Best Doctors in America each year since 2007 and has also been named a Top Doctor of New York. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Miller, contact his office located at 60 East 56th Street, Third Floor in New York City, by calling (646) 791-3025.

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Dr. Philip Miller

Focusing exclusively on the face for more than two decades, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Philip Miller blends art and science with innovation and skill to provide thousands of patients with impeccable results. He is known for pioneering the NatraLook methodology for rhinoplasty, facelifts, neck lifts, and other cosmetic procedures for the face.