Facelift surgery remains one the most popular and effective ways to improve signs of aging in the face. Loose, sagging skin and wrinkles may begin to appear as early as your thirties, causing you to appear older and more tired than you actually are. A facelift helps tighten and firm your skin and smoothes wrinkles so you look younger and healthier. Facelift surgery patients typically range in age from their early 40’s until well into their 70’s, but is there an age that is “best” for having the procedure? The truth is that age is only one factor in determining whether you could benefit from a facelift – there are several others that have to be considered by your plastic surgeon.
What Else Makes Your Face Age?
Since you were born, your skin has been exposed to many different things that could contribute to an aged appearance. These include:
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun
- Acne
- Scars from acne or injury
- Loss of collagen
- Genetics
- Illness
- Smoking
- Lack of regular skin care
These and other factors cause your skin to age or just appear older. Some patients are affected by some factors more than others, some patients have to deal with multiple factors, and for some patients there isn’t really a clear cause of aging other than actually getting older.
The truth is that patients age in different ways and at different rates. A 40-year-old and a 55-year-old could look similar in age depending on their exposure to various aging factors in their life. As such, there really is no “best” age for people to get a facelift. What really matters are your individual goals as a patient and whether a facelift can meet those goals.
What Makes You a Good Candidate for Facelift Surgery?
Most facelift candidates are people who struggle with wrinkles around the mouth, loose soft tissue around their face, and fat deposits that have moved or accumulated in the lower half of their face. Facelift patients also need to be in relatively good health and have realistic expectations for their surgery. For example, a facelift tackles signs of aging around the middle of the face. If your problems are concentrated more around your eyes or forehead, you would probably get more out of an eyelift or browlift. Also, a facelift can take up to ten years away from your face, but it can’t make you look 20 years old again or prevent you from aging further. Having a clear idea of what you would like to improve about your face and being realistic about those goals will go a long way toward helping you get the most out of your plastic surgery.
Schedule Your Facelift Surgery Consultation Today
Knowing whether you are a good candidate for a facelift or determining if a facelift procedure is the best choice for you starts with a consultation from an experienced surgeon. Dr. Andres Bustillo is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the few facial plastic surgeons in South Florida. About half of Dr. Bustillo’s practice is dedicated to rejuvenating and revitalizing the face, which includes everything from a facelift to dermal fillers.
To schedule your patient consultation today, contact Dr. Bustillo’s office at (305) 663-3380.