Aging is a factor of life that comes for all of us, as do the visual signs associated with it. Before we know it, lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin can appear upon our faces, well before we consider ourselves to be old.
Those wishing to keep or restore their youthful appearance may seek out cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift, to help turn back the clock on the aging process.
But no two people age the same way, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, extended exposure to both sun and pollution, and many other influences can affect the aging process. So, what decides whether a person makes a good facelift candidate or not?
Ideal Facelift Age
There is no magic age at which a person becomes a perfect facelift candidate, as we all age differently. Instead, a better indicator to go by is what visual indicators of aging are on the face. A person with little to no signs of aging may not notice much of a difference after a facelift. At the same time, a person with extreme signs of aging may find the results too dramatic and artificial-looking following the procedure.
Ideally, a candidate will be between the range of 40 to 60, though exceptions can be made on either side of this scale. Multiple types of facelifts exist that can treat individual areas of the face where there are minor concerns or a full facelift that treats the entire area.
Ideal Health
A facelift is cosmetic surgery. Like any surgery, a person should be in good physical health prior to their procedure to ensure their safety during the operation and make a recovery as smooth as possible.
Those with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart conditions may not be able to undergo the procedure. Additionally, smoking and alcohol consumption can alter the effects, dosage, and ability to filter anesthesia, so ceasing both of these activities as far in advance to a facelift procedure is important.
Those on medications, even light ones such as Tylenol or allergy medications, need to let their surgeon know ahead of time. This also applies to supplements such as vitamins and herbal teas, which can both affect anesthesia.
Reasonable Expectations
This is a general rule for all types of cosmetic procedures. The best sign of good plastic surgery is that there are little to no signs of it ever taking place, to begin with; this includes leaving natural results.
Facelifts can certainly help take away years from the face by smoothing wrinkles and deep lines, tucking away loose skin, and increasing volume to the cheeks and mouth, but the procedure is not a magic cure. Facelifts will not alter the structure of your bones, nor will they make you look like you’re in your twenties. On average, a person reports appearing six to twelve years younger following their procedure.
It is also important to note that other procedures may be required to help create ideal results in a candidate. For example, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) may be required to help treat sagging skin around the eyes or puffy bags and dark circles. A neck lift procedure is often performed in tandem with a facelift to ensure the results from your procedure don’t stop at the jawline and contrast with your neckline, where things like double chins and turkey neck may appear. It is important to talk with your surgeon during your consultation to discuss your surgical goals and their suggestions to help you achieve them.
