You may have started to notice that your cheeks or chin are starting to droop. Or you have distinct laugh lines — even when you’re not smiling. Or maybe you have a general feeling that you are older than you would like.
If these changes in your appearance make you wonder “Should I take a face lift?” you should first know that a facelift (or wrinkleectomy) is both common and can be very successful, but it’s not a small commitment.
That’s why there are many things to consider before making the choice to permanently alter your physical appearance, according to plastic and reconstructive surgeon James Zins, MD.
1. Should I get a facelift?
If you’re like most people considering a facelift, you probably don’t want to look like a different person – just a younger, more rested version of yourself.
“Very often, patients come to me saying they don’t want a dramatic change,” says Dr. Zins. “As they get older they look in the mirror and want to go back to the more youthful version of the face they’ve seen before.”
You may feel that cosmetic surgery could make you more competitive. Or maybe you think that when you look better, you’ll feel better. Or you may have a variety of other reasons – all of which are personal to you.
“Whatever your reason, remember that the key to being happy with a facelift is to do it for yourself, not because of pressure from a spouse, a friend or a sense of competitiveness with those around you,” says Dr. Zins. “Circumstances may change over time, but your body will always be with you.”
2. What different types of procedures are available?
As you age, your skin becomes less elastic with fat deposits either increasing or decreasing in different parts of your face and neck.
During a traditional facelift, your doctor will make an incision – both in front of and behind your ear. The skin and the muscle layer beneath the skin is then pulled and tightened. The tissues beneath the skin are altered to redefine the contours of your face into a more desirable shape. Excess skin is then removed before the incision is permanently closed with stitches.
Other procedures are similar and focus on specific areas such as the neck, forehead, cheek or leg.
3. Am I too old for a facelift?
You may start to see facial changes in your 40s, 50s, and 60s.
In all cases, a facelift can help fuller hips and “puppet lines” between your nose and mouth.
But you can also get plastic surgery even in your 80s.
A facelift, says Dr. Zins, is just as safe for the elderly as it is for the younger, provided your doctor does a careful examination to avoid potential complications.
4. Are there good and bad facelift candidates?
Most people will notice at least some change after a facelift, but some can expect better results. If you start with good bone structure—high cheekbones, a good jawline, and a strong chin—you’ll likely see more improvement after treatment.
If you have a lot of sun damage, skin that has lost its elasticity, extra skin from weight loss, or a weak chin, the procedure may be less successful.
5. What questions should I ask my doctor during a consultation?
Dr. Zins recommends asking these questions:
- What should I expect from the procedure?
- How long will I need to take off from work and social activities afterwards?
- Can you show me ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures? The doctor should have a complete portfolio of past clients for your review.
- Can you customize the feature to my specific needs?
6. How long do facelifts last?
The average facelift lasts about 10 years. After that, your face will begin to age again and lose some elasticity and structure. You can continue with other processes after that if you want.
7. What should I expect after surgery?
Your surgeon will remove your bandages just a few days after your facelift surgery. Your doctor will then prescribe medication to help with any initial pain. It will only take about three days to feel better, but the swelling and bruising will likely keep you out of work and social situations for about two weeks. You may be asked to return for a follow-up visit or two after surgery to address any bruisesswelling and to remove the stitches.
“Because of the time and emotion that went into the procedure, your doctor will want to help you keep your skin in good shape,” says Dr. Zins. “They’ll recommend a skin care regimen, and you’ll definitely need to plan to minimize your sun exposure.”
If you experience unwanted effects, talk to your doctor or surgeon.
