“What is the best age to get a facelift?”

No age limits. When skin is sagging and or excessive, it can be treated with surgery.

There is no one best age for any particular patient, but there is a desirable range I like to counsel my patients about. I would not offer a facelift to someone younger than his or her late 40s, as there are so many other, less invasive options to exhaust first, such as good skin care, Botox, fillers, peels, and lasers, all of which can improve skin quality and texture. From the late 40s to early 70s is the timeframe in which a facelift is optimal, particularly for someone with no or very few baseline medical conditions. For one thing, you stand to benefit or enjoy longevity of your results, which can vary from person to person, but can last up to 10-15 years or longer for someone with reasonably good skin elasticity. In addition, beyond one's 70s, the chances are that you will end up with some chronic medical condition(s) that would make facelift surgery much more hazardous. Simply going under general anesthesia in one's 80s, by age alone, is riskier. So, in short, as a 59-year-old woman, you are in the "wheelhouse" age to consider and discuss what a facelift could do in terms of facial rejuvenation. Always seek a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon as your partner to help you fulfill your facial aesthetic goals.

Nirav B. Patel, MD, JD, FACS, FCLM

If your face begins to sag, it's generally better to get a facelift before age 60 than later because you'll heal better and you'll get more "mileage" out of it. However, there's really no perfect age to get a facelift. It all depends on when you feel it's time to reverse the aging process. Remember that there are also many non-surgical options that you may be a candidate for which may help to delay the surgical option.

50

It is difficult to answer this question without photographs or physical examination. Generally speaking, someone your age may be a candidate for a mini facelift.

My favorite technique is the MACS short scar Mini-Facelift. Developed in Europe, it is the ideal approach for the younger patient, not ready for a full facelift, or patients who desire a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time. It addresses both the mid face area (especially the jowls) as well as the neck, if needed. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best options for you. Good luck.