Are You Too Young for a Facelift?
Posted December 20, 2023 in Facelift
Age is just a number. This statement is true for so many different elements of life. For example, it’s a common misconception that facelifts are only for older patients. In reality, facelift surgery comes down to the concerns of the patient—not their age.
A facelift addresses sagging, loose skin, a loss of contour due to volume depletion, and excess wrinkles. So, even if a patient is relatively young, perhaps in their late 30s or 40s, they still may experience these issues and, therefore, are a great candidate!
What Can a Facelift Treat?
The primary aim of a facelift is to reverse common signs of aging and exhaustion. For many, these concerns do appear later in life, but not always. If you’re interested in rejuvenating your mid to low face, you may be experiencing the following:
- Loose, thin skin
- Skin that droops downward
- Creases along the mouth and nose (nasolabial folds)
- Crepey or sagging skin around the jawline and neck
One of the reasons we see these concerns is a need for facial volume. The protein that gives our skin its bouncy, plump appearance in youth is collagen. Our bodies slow down on collagen production around our mid-twenties, and when this happens, we start to see a loss of elasticity and bounce.
As volume decreases, the skin begins to sag. As it sags, creases and folds start to form, detracting from the smooth appearance and contributing to a lack of contour.
Other factors can contribute to this process aside from age. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, drinking, and excessive sun exposure can all play a part in premature aging. Additionally, genetics can sometimes contribute early wrinkling and looking older than you are.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for a Facelift?
The candidacy for facelift surgery essentially boils down to more than just age. If you are experiencing any of the above concerns, you may be a candidate.
Additionally, your board-certified plastic surgeon will want to examine you to determine the quality of your skin and the severity of your concerns. Then your surgeon will learn about your medical history to ensure you don’t have any conflicting conditions that can affect your eligibility.
Candidates for a facelift should:
- Want to lift, contour, and eliminate excess skin of the mid to low region of the face
- Are generally in good health
- Are nonsmokers, or are willing to quit
- Have realistic expectations for results
Even if you are in your 30s or 40s, a facelift may be ideal for rejuvenating your face and combating difficult signs of aging that only surgery can address–such as excess, sagging skin.
Who May NOT Be a Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
If you only have minor wrinkles, relatively good skin elasticity, and minor sagging, a facelift may be too extreme of a procedure. Undergoing a facelift when unnecessary may yield an overdone or unnatural result.
If you only need minor enhancement, dermal fillers may be a better option, as they can restore volume throughout the face without invasive surgery. Alternatively, many patients with minor facial sagging can see amazing skin tightening and toning benefits from Morpheus8™ treatments.
How Do I Know What Option Is Best for Me?
The best way to determine your candidacy and the severity of your concerns is to schedule a consultation with your trusted, board-certified plastic surgeon.
Dr. Al Cohn is a board-certified plastic surgeon committed to providing customized, individualized care to his patients. During your consultation, Dr. Cohn will listen to your goals and concerns before giving you a personalized plan that best suits your needs.
Interested in Facelift Surgery in Birmingham, AL?
If you want to tighten loose skin and lift and contour the face for a natural-looking, age-defying result, Dr. Cohn can help. Call us today at (205) 590-9900 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation.