Years ago, I answered a question from someone on the RealSelf.com website asking why plastic surgeons opposed performing facelift surgery on younger patients. I can’t answer for all plastic surgeons, but the skin of younger patients typically doesn’t warrant getting a facelift. My goal is to create results that look natural, and it would be difficult to preserve younger patients’ natural appearance.
So, how do you know when you’re ready for a facelift? That question can be increasingly difficult to answer as the availability of effective nonsurgical anti-aging treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and injectables increases. BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers such as JUVÉDERM VOLUMA® XC can erase years from someone’s appearance, but there comes a point when minimizing wrinkles or restoring volume without surgery doesn’t produce the desired results.
Is It Time for a Facelift?
Fine lines and wrinkles are the most common signs of aging skin, along with the loss of volume in the cheeks and under the eyes. Sun damage is responsible for much of the aging we see, but the loss of collagen and elastin as we grow older also plays a role. Minimally invasive alternatives can be excellent options for a time. But sagging skin on the lower face that causes jowls and loose neck skin can only be improved through a facelift.
As I explain in a related blog post, there isn’t a specific age range when it’s time for a facelift. And that includes people who think they’re too old to benefit from facial plastic surgery. As long the patient is in good general health, just about anyone at any age can be a good candidate for a facelift. What’s the best gauge of knowing if it’s time to consult with a plastic surgeon? If you look in the mirror and feel like the person looking back appears nothing like you feel, and you’re self-conscious about the lack of jawline definition and crepey neck skin, a facelift can improve how you look and feel.
Benefits of a Facelift
It’s a misconception that a facelift addresses the whole face. The procedure focuses on the lower portion of the face, creating a jawline with more youthful definition and a more streamlined neck. I often recommend combining a facelift with either eyelid surgery or nonsurgical treatments to ensure that patients enjoy comprehensive facial rejuvenation. You can see the types of results produced by facelift surgery in my gallery of before-and-after photos that show my actual patients. I think these photos demonstrate why it’s important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who uses advanced surgical techniques to create natural-looking results.
If you’re looking for the best plastic surgeon in Los Angeles to perform facelift surgery, I encourage you to contact us using the online form to request a personal consultation with me. Or call our Marina del Rey plastic surgery practice at (310) 300-1779 to schedule an initial appointment.
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