When Is the Right Time to Get a Facelift?
From year to year when you look in the mirror, you will start to see subtle changes to the way your skin looks and feels.
The most noticeable signs of facial aging are loose skin, relaxed facial contours, and more deeper smile lines than you used to see.
For most people, changes such as sagging skin and facial folds will appear gradually over time.
But for others, the loss of more youthful contours to their face can come quicker than they would like.
One of the most common questions we get at Doctors Tatiana + Rishi Advanced Aesthetics is: when is the right time to get a facelift?
The truth is, there is no perfect age to get facelift surgery, it all comes down to finding the right time for you.
If you need some direction, we are here to help guide you through what facial rejuvenation surgery looks like, and how you can choose the right approach for you based on your age and skin condition.
If you want to speak to someone about your options for a facelift in London, book an initial consultation with one of our medical experts.
What is facelift surgery?
If you want to reduce the visible signs of ageing and achieve a more youthful appearance, undergoing a facelift procedure is one of the most effective methods to give you your desired results.
This surgical procedure helps to reposition facial tissues, tighten the facial muscles, and remove any excess skin.
By the end of your facial surgery, our goal is to help you see natural looking results, so that you don’t look different, but you look more refreshed.
There are a few types of facelift surgery, which we can tailor to your degree of skin laxity, your facial structure, fat distribution, and your skin condition.
Your facelift surgical options
The Aereth Facelift
This is an advanced facial rejuvenation procedure that was developed in-house at our Centre of Excellence in London by Dr Rishi Mandavia.
This modern approach to facial plastic surgery is a more simple and precise method for lifting sagging skin and giving you a more radiant appearance.
It is an ideal option for anyone looking to achieve better facial definition without looking like they have been overly worked or overstretched.
Mini facelift (mini lift)
A mini facelift is more suitable for younger patients or people who are showing moderate signs of ageing in the lower half of the face.
It is effective for lifting sagging skin across the jawline (jowls) and improving skin elasticity in the lower face.
It is often called the “weekend facelift” because it uses smaller incisions than a full facelift, which means a shorter recovery process.
Plication facelift
This surgical technique focusses on tightening the facial tissues that give the skin its structure – the SMAS or Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System.
It involves your plastic surgeon folding and repositioning these deeper facial structures to create more youthful facial contours without giving your skin a stretched appearance.
We often recommend this to patients who have moderate signs of skin laxity. It comes with less downtime than a traditional facelift.
Deep plane facelift
This is one of the most involved facial procedures and is designed for older patients or those with more advanced signs of ageing.
It involves the surgeon repositioning the deeper layers of facial muscles and excess facial fat. It is most effective for the lower face and neck to reduce jowls.
This facelift surgery does more than offer skin tightening because it involves releasing ligaments to move skin tissue, including fat pads to a more youthful position.
How does facial aging impact when you should consider a facelift?
Not everyone will experience facial ageing in the same way or at the same rate. It is impacted by factors such as your genetics, lifestyle and external environment.
For example, if you are someone who enjoys a lot of sun exposure, this leads to faster breakdown of collagen production in the skin. As a result, you will see loose skin or saggy skin much earlier.
Other factors such as smoking, stress, diet and poor skincare can all impact skin quality and cause your skin to look older than your actual age.
Some people start to see the signs of visible ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, a loss of volume, and a more tired appearance in their 30s.
While other people may only start to see a less firm facial structure well into their 40s or 50s.
The most common signs of premature ageing include:
- Early signs of loose skin
- Less skin elasticity
- A loss of facial fat
- Changes to facial expressions (looking more tired or stressed)
Because we do not all age the same rate physically, the timing of having a facelift is always down to the individual.
This is why we always look at your skin condition, facial structure and overall health, rather than your age alone to determine whether you are suitable for a facelift procedure.
What is the right age for a facelift?
Everyone always asks us what the perfect or best age is to have facial rejuvenation surgery. The truth is, there is no right age.
Instead, we look at general patterns and the science behind skin ageing to determine when people are most likely to consider facelift surgery.
The average age for facelift surgery is from the early 40s to early 60s. That isn’t to say that the age range of a facelift can’t skew younger or older than this.
- Younger patients – including those in their late 30s who want to see subtle improvements to their face. This might include non-surgical treatments such as dermal fillers.
- Older patients – those who are 60 and over and show advanced signs of ageing such as a so-called turkey neck or excess skin.
What this shows you is that there is no ideal age to consider a facelift.
If you start noticing signs early and want to have wrinkle free or firm loose skin, you may want to think about skin tightening procedures or non-surgical treatments first.
What type of facelift might be right for each age group?
Choosing the right facelift does not just come down to age. It depends on your facial anatomy, the desired outcome you want, and your degree of skin laxity and skin ageing.
To give you a general guide you may look at:
- In your 30s and early 40s – a mini facelift to provide subtle enhancements
- In your 40s and 50s – a lower facelift or mid facelift to address the moderate signs of ageing and achieve a more youthful look
- In our 50s and 60s – a deep plane facelift or full facelift to treat advanced signs such as deeper facial folds.
For neck concerns, such as turkey neck, it is possible to combine facelift surgery with a neck lift to restore a more youthful lower face.
Is there an age group who should not get facial plastic surgery?
While there is not a set age limit on when facial surgery should not be performed, you do need to:
- Be in good health
- Have good skin elasticity and skin health to achieve a natural result
- Come in with realistic expectations
Some surgeons may prefer not to operate on older patients due to slower healing times. But any surgeon will assess you on an Individual basis, regardless of what age you are.
The most important step is to have consultation with a qualified aesthetic surgeon (board certified plastic surgeon).
At Doctors Tatiana + Rishi Advanced Aesthetics, you will be in the safe hands of Dr Rishi Mandavia.
He is one of the UK’s most respected cosmetic doctors and has advanced expertise in facial rejuvenation techniques.
Important factors to think about before a facelift procedure
Results are long lasting but not permanent
Facelift surgery provides amazing, long-lasting results. However, we cannot stop the natural ageing process.
On average your results can last:
- 5-10 years – for a mini facelift
- 10-15 years – for a deep plane facelift or traditional facelift
To maintain your results, we recommend following a good anti-ageing skincare routine, always wear high-factor sun protection, and look after your health.
Preparation is key before and after your facelift
Before your facelift:
- Stop smoking at least six weeks before
- Avoid blood tinning medications such as ibuprofen at least two weeks before
- Avoid alcohol at least one week before
- Plan your time off work for the recovery process
After your facelift surgery:
- Manage swelling and bruising using a cold compress and keeping your head elevated
- You will need 2-3 weeks off work (depending on the type of facelift)
- Avoid any strenuous activity, saunas and hot showers for at least two weeks
We will provide you with detailed aftercare advice to help with the healing process.
You will see a gradual improvement in the definition and youthful contours of your face.
You will look more refreshed within 14 days, but the final results can take up to six months to show.
Talk to our experts about facelift surgery in London
The decision to undergo facial surgery is a big one that is personal to you.
Whether you are starting to see early signs of skin laxity, or the more advanced signs of skin ageing, our team of medical professionals are on hand to provide expert guidance.
We will provide you with clear and honest advice on which facelift procedure might be right for you and your skin goals.
