By plastic surgeon Dr Dirk Kremer. 

Plastic surgery for the face can seem a minefield for those who are unfamiliar with the procedures that are available. This is due to an available range of both invasive and non-invasive surgeries, procedures that target single areas or several areas at once, a range of techniques that can be used to reach different (or even the same) results, not to mention the medical terms that surgeons may use for each one.

For example, a rhinoplasty and rhytidectomy is likely to be unfamiliar to the uninitiated… (a nosejob and facelift, for those wondering).

This can make plastic surgery options fairly overwhelming for a patient who is looking to tackle something they are uncomfortable with.

When I discuss the facelift with patients here at Harley Street Aesthetics, I often hear many different ideas about what they think a facelift is and what it can achieve. Some patients are fairly accurate with their assessment, some less so. What does often appear quite murky is opinions surrounding the age one should be when undergoing a facelift.

A facelift is a fantastic procedure for rejuvenating and freshening up the appearance of the face, so here’s what you need to know when deciding whether you’re the right candidate - and the right sort of age - for a facelift procedure.

Am I the right age for a facelift?

Now, a facelift can be performed on any adult, but does that mean any adult should consider a facelift? Absolutely not.

Generally speaking, a facelift is not going to be the best surgical option for anyone under the age of 30, and for those who are in their 30’s it is still highly questionable whether they should be considering the procedure. There needs to be true signs of aging before a facelift is considered.

For most people, the benefits of a facelift can be most appreciated when they are in their 40s, 50s and 60s. This is because from around 40-something onwards, the signs of aging that a facelift can target gradually (or for some, progressively quickly) becomes more and more prevalent. Deep lines, wrinkles, jowls, and sagging skin are all signs of aging that are best targeted with surgical procedures, rather than non-surgical procedures that are typically used by people in their 30’s - although certainly not exclusively.

With that said, there is no one definitive age bracket that everyone falls into when a facelift will suddenly become a magical solution. Everyone is different, everyone ages at their own natural rate, and everyone has their own ideal for how they would like to physically appear. This means that the appropriateness of the facelift procedure, like most cosmetic procedures, is personal and dependent on the patient.

Read: How do you know you’re ready for a facelift?

Does a facelift do enough, or should I combine procedures?

Whether or not a facelift alone is enough will depend on the patient. For some, your plastic surgeon may believe that a facelift procedure by itself will be able to comfortably achieve the result you’re hoping for. For others, your plastic surgeon may recommend combining procedures to achieve the best overall result.

Procedures that are often performed in combination with a facelift include a necklift, eyelid lift, and eyebrow lift. Two or more of these procedures can help balance the face while also targeting specific signs of aging, resulting in a more compelling facial rejuvenation.

To help you decide whether a facelift is right for you and whether you should consider combining cosmetic procedures, your plastic surgeon will discuss your personal case in more detail during your consultation with them.

Read: What are the benefits of facelift surgery?

Are you considering a facelift in London? If so, don’t hesitate to get in touch today. I am a highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon with expertise in facelifts and other facial cosmetic procedures, so you can rest assured you’ll be in the very best hands. Get in touch by calling 0845 519 7232, e-mailing info@harleystreetaesthetics.com or by completing the online contact form.