The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) are one of the most authoritative bodies, capable of addresses the question, that many of us ask – exactly, what age is best to get a face lift?
While some of us notice – and ask, are wrinkles, crow’s feet and sagging skin red flags that the years are starting to tick by, is this when we should consider a facelift?
Some people, especially those with certain anatomical considerations, or those with thin skin may notice these signs of ageing in their early 20s, or their 30s consider this may be the right age for a facelift believing this surgical solution can significantly improve its results.
But it is important to know – there is no right age, as having a facelift too early can be useless as the effects of ageing accelerate as you get older.
A facelift too early can mean that you may require repeat surgeries, simply to maintain a look that may be unnatural, given your age. That said, having a facelift too late is also not ideal. This is because a facelift aims to preserve and maintain your face, so undergoing a facelift in your 60s can mean that the results are extremely noticeable – and for most of us, this is not ideal. Remember, a facelift ideally should not result a drastic difference to your current appearance, rather one that enhances your natural looks.
So, let’s break it down into age groups, when exactly is the best time for a facelift?
For this aged forty-plus, patients that undergo a facelift in their early-to-mid-forties can gain better, longer-lasting results than those who do so when they are much older. The Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend that a patient also has skin rejuvenation treatments along with a facelift to further improve their results.
The improved structure of the face is not the same as improved skin – this is important to know!
For patients aged fifty-plus, in this age range, the Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) recommend that a facelift may restore a youthful appearance – with natural results. However, along with a facelift, at this age of those patients fifty-plus years, ASAPS recommend that patients also undergo a neck lift surgery can also produce a more overall aesthetically pleasing result.
The Most Common Reasons for Having a Face lift
Loose or Sagging Skin
One of the most noticeable differences in a patient’s successful facelift surgery – those that we often see in the Before & After photos – show the visibly improved tightness of the skin, often especially around the jowl area. As your skin loses elasticity, it results in wrinkles and sagging skin – but importantly this typically present both along with your face and neck.
A successful face lift surgery, along with a neck lift, can vastly improve the appearance of loose skin, creating a more youthful face.
Loss of Facial Volume
Another visual effect of ageing is the obvious loss of fat from your face. This results in a hollowed and exhausted looking appearance. Undergoing a facelift will not only tighten your skin but with proper fat grafting, it can restore your face’s volume, resulting in a more refreshed appearance. 
Sagging Jowls
Obviously sagging jowls are usually formed as a result of the loss of volume on your face and the sagging, surrounding skin. A facelift can remove the appearance of jowls as it can tighten, tone and sculpt sagging skin, giving you a more defined face.
Facial Shape Changes
One of the most obvious signs of ageing can cause the face to lose its youthful shape. Female patients with a heart-shaped face tend to notice that their face shape becomes less elegant and more, square shaped, or “boxier” as their skin sags. A facelift can alleviate that visual change.
How do you ensure a successful facelift surgery?
Considering the cost of a facelift and the investment of weeks of recovery time, safeguard to yourself by having your facelift performed at the optimal time, and by someone who can ascertain your suitability and achieve your desired results.
In summary, there is no definitive age for a facelift. It will depend on your skin type, your personal circumstances, including the shape of your face, the speed at which your face has aged and the actual age you are. Too soon, and you may be setting yourself up for repeated surgeries. Too late, and you may achieve a result, while good, is too drastic compared to your current appearance.
As with any – in fact, almost especially, if you are considering a facelift, this requires the opinion of a highly trained plastic surgeon who understands the underlying anatomy of the face, can assess your current appearance – objectively – and discuss with you the realistic expectation you may have regarding a facelift. Consider only consulting a fully qualified Plastic Surgeon who is a member of ASAPS (a member of Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) before you decide and commit.
For many, a facelift is a great alternative, in fact, for many it may be the best alternative, especially when non-surgical options no longer result in the improvement you are looking for.
Good luck, and remember – a facelift is in invasive surgery, so choose wisely and choose only the most qualified plastic surgeon before embarking on this procedure!