10th Apr 2024
How does the face age over time? The best age for a facelift
As we age, our faces change. Lines and wrinkles appear, and the skin loses its elasticity. While some people embrace these changes, others may feel self-conscious about them and want to slow or reverse the natural process. A facelift can help achieve a more youthful appearance by tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
There is no "ideal" age for a facelift, as the decision to undergo the procedure is personal and dependent on your own goals and preferences. Here's your guide to the visible signs of ageing from your 30s to your 70s—and what treatments are best at each stage.
In your 30s: Fine lines and wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles may appear around your eyes, between your eyebrows and mouth in your 30s. A combination of factors cause them, including sun damage, smoking, and repeated facial expressions.
The best treatment for this stage is a combination of preventative measures—such as wearing sunscreen and using retinol-based products—and minimally invasive treatments, such as Botox injections, which can help relax the muscles that cause wrinkles.
In your 40s: Sagging skin
Losing collagen and elastin—two proteins that keep skin firm and elastic—begins in your 40s. This results in sagging skin around the lower face, jawline, and neck.
A facelift can address these concerns by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles. You may not need a full facelift at this stage—a mini facelift may take care of early signs of ageing, such as sagging skin around the lower face. Another option is a mid-facelift, which focuses on the area around the cheeks.
Procedures such as a brow lift or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can also be done to achieve a more refreshed appearance.
Nonsurgical treatments such as dermal fillers and laser treatments can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin.
At Kensington Medical, our London-based team of plastic surgeon specialists can discuss options such as a mini facelift and eyelid lift.
In your 50s: Deep wrinkles and skin laxity
Deep wrinkles, known as "nasolabial folds," form between the nose and mouth in your 50s. This is because of a loss of volume in the mid-face, which can make the skin appear loose and saggy.
A facelift can help address these concerns by removing excess skin and fat and tightening the underlying muscles. The most common type is a SMAS facelift, which involves making an incision in the hairline and around the ears before lifting the skin and fat tissue and redraping it over the face. A deep plane facelift is another option worth discussing with our plastic surgeons.
Complementary procedures, such as a brow lift, eyelid surgery, or laser skin resurfacing are also popular. At your consultation with a Kensington Medical surgeon, we will discuss your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. This can often involve a combination type plan such as a face lift with a blepharoplasty.
In your 60s: Skin thinning and age spots
The skin continues to thin in your 60s, making age spots more visible. These can be treated with laser therapy, which breaks up the pigmented areas of the skin and helps even out its tone.
A facelift can help address any concerns with deep wrinkles and sagging skin, top facelift procedures include a deep plane facelift or SMAS facelift. A Mid facelift or jowl lift is also very popular at this age and can help to address sagging along the jawline and neck. If the neck is particularly sagging then a neck lift might be required.
Procedures that work well together, like eyelid surgery, can also be done to achieve excellent results. At your consultation with a Kensington Medical cosmetic surgeon, we will discuss your options and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific goals.
In your 70s:
If you're healthy and have no major medical concerns, you may be an excellent candidate for a facelift. No age is too old for a little pick-me-up. At this age, the skin becomes very thin and fragile. A facelift and neck lift can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin and give the face a more refreshed look.
Complementary procedures, such as eyelid surgery or laser skin resurfacing, can be another possibility to improve the facelift results. Before making any recommendations, your surgeon will consider all factors—including your overall health, skin condition, and desired outcomes.
At Kensington Medical, we believe everyone deserves to look and feel their best at any age. Our London-based team of specialists can offer you a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs and goals. For more information about us including our expertise click here.
If you're interested in learning more about facelifts or any other procedures mentioned above, we invite you to contact us today to schedule a consultation or call us.
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