The much-talked-about facelift gives you a more youthful glow by focusing on the lower third of the face and the neck. It works by removing excess skin that droops as a natural part of the aging process and rejuvenates the face and neck effectively. However, how young is too young to get one?
In a nutshell, it all depends on your unique needs. Dr. Anurag Agarwal, an expert facial plastic surgeon of Central Florida, writes that there are advantages and disadvantages of having this procedure done. But if your needs are discussed thoroughly, this could be very beneficial to all. If your face has aged prematurely, for any reason, a facelift procedure may be the answer that you are looking for. However, if you are under 40 and simply feeling a little insecure, it would probably be better for you to wait. There is no “one size fits all” answer. Since the decision is very personal, it is not to be taken lightly. And as such, it can be difficult for cosmetic surgeons to advise patients on the issue. However, there are many facts to take into consideration. Here are a few points to ponder.
A. Reasons for Starting Younger
- Hard Lifestyles – Doctors as recently as ten years ago would turn prospective patients away if they were under the age of 40. It was generally believed that they were too young to get the treatment done. However, one must consider the different lifestyle choices experienced by those of the same chronological age. Diet and smoking, as well as an abundance of sun exposure and odd genetic traits, such as excessive dryness or oiliness, contribute to an older-looking complexion.
- Better Skin Elasticity – If you are in your 40s, it has been proven that you will get better results going under the knife than those over 50 because you will still have optimum skin elasticity. This leads to fewer errors, as well, because the skin is easier to work with. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has even conducted a recent study that found that 50 – 60-somethings that had their first facelifts in the 40s had better satisfaction scores both immediately after and in the long term.
- Longer-lasting Results – Did you also know that the younger you are when you proceed with a facelift, the longer it is likely to last? Getting the surgery in the early-mid-40s usually means that the results will last approximately 10 – 15 years. As opposed to the usual 7-10 years for those that get the treatment when they’re older.
This is why is now recommended that prospective patients not always wait until severe signs of aging start to appear. Getting a facelift at a younger age will also create a difference that is much less dramatic or noticeable. The best procedure for younger candidates is the SMAS or Deep Plane facelift. It revitalizes the face by minimizing facial sagging and the appearance of jowls.
B. Reasons to Wait until you’re Older
- No Real Rush – While the average age of facelift patients is 40-70, some experts say that there is no rush to get the treatment done if you don’t really need it. As long as the patient is in good health and reasonably fit, he or she can undergo a facelift in their 60s, 70s, or even older. It should be said that the majority of people nowadays are living longer and healthier and cosmetic surgeries are far safer than they ever been.
- One and Done – It should be noted that many people have a second facelift performed ten years after they have a more midlife preliminary procedure. Therefore, if you feel you will benefit from a facelift procedure, you would either have your first facelift in the twilight of your life or the first procedure in your 40s. You can then go for a refresher in your 50s. If you’re not crazy about the idea of going under the knife twice, you should weigh up your options. It may be better for you, and your pocketbook, to just get a typical pan-facial rejuvenation surgery when you hit retirement age. The cure-all treatment will lift your whole face along with the neck.
- Distorted Self Image – Good plastic surgeons often ask themselves what they consider to be much too young for a facelift. In areas of the country where there is unlimited money to spend, women as young as the early 20s opt for facelifts. A lot of these unreasonable requests are due to a disorder called “body dysmorphic syndrome.” Money-hungry doctors will sometimes perform facelifts on patients this young, whether they are likely to improve their appearance or not. A dedicated surgeon will provide the patient with straightforward guidance, trying his or her best to be objective.
- Plenty of Alternatives – For those that are so young that they are not likely to really benefit from surgery as a first-line defense against aging, many injectables come highly-recommended for filling in and smoothing out wrinkles. These include frown lines, forehead wrinkles and crow’s feet. These are much better suited to those in their 20s and 30s who have only mild lines and creases to worry about. Dermal fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, Dysport, and Botox are well-trusted for their amazing abilities to freshen your face and provide it with a radiant glow.
Dermabrasion
Another avenue to younger-looking skin, Dermabrasion, removes dead cells and exfoliates skin in a way that causes wrinkles to be less visible. Finally, there are chemical peels that help to lessen the creases that show up before middle age.
In conclusion, according to plasticsurgery.org, if it is performed for the right reasons, a facelift certainly has a high probability of improving on your original appearance. Regardless of the age in which you decide to take the plunge!
Just remember, it is your decision and your decision alone. Do not let your friends, family, or even your surgeon influence you. A trustworthy doctor will tell you that the best candidates for facelifts are those who are healthy and not prone to expecting miracles. If you are realistic with your expectations, you should be content with the results.
