If you’re considering a facial rejuvenation procedure like a facelift, how do you know if you’re a good candidate or if it’s the ideal time?

Below, we’ll get into the specifics of what a facelift entails, how long results last, and how to determine if it’s the best time for reviving your aesthetic.

What Is a Facelift?

A facelift, also known as a rhytidectomy, is a facial rejuvenation procedure that can create a more youthful, sculpted appearance by repositioning fat and muscle tissue and removing excess sagging skin. The incisions are usually made around the hairline, ear, and possibly the chin, allowing for minimal scarring that is barely noticeable after the final stage of recovery.

 A facelift can improve the look of sagging and loss of volume that naturally happens with age and gravity. As the more advanced stages of the aging process take hold, our faces can develop a hollow appearance, causing our cheeks to appear sunken, which can accelerate the rate at which we appear older. Facelifts can help turn back the clock in a noticeable, yet subtle way when done by a board-certified plastic surgeon and patients are left with refreshed, yet natural-looking results.

Aside from aging, factors like weight loss, sun exposure, and smoking can accelerate the rate at which our skin elasticity breaks down, which is why it’s important to wear sunscreen daily and avoid exposure to cigarette smoke as much as possible.

What Is the Ideal Age for a Facelift?
Truth be told, there is no specific age requirement for when a person should get a facelift. Many patients opt for this procedure anytime between the ages of 40 to 60, but there are some who choose the option of a facelift earlier than age 40 and beyond age 60. It all depends on personal preference, aesthetic goals, and the rate a person starts to notice more telltale signs of natural aging, such as skin sagging and wrinkling, especially in the cheeks and jawline.

Starting in our 20s, our collagen slowly begins to break down, causing skin to become lax, and by the time many of us reach our 30s and 40s, there is more noticeable skin laxity. Once women reach menopause, collagen declines even more, and skin can begin to take on a crepey appearance.

The good news is that we can slow down the natural aging of the face due with a variety of rejuvenation procedures and treatments. A facelift can also be combined with other procedures like a neck lift or blepharoplasty (an upper eyelid lift) to accomplish an overall lifted, more uniform look. Together, these procedures can take years off a patient’s appearance and instill a new sense of confidence.

How Long Do Facelift Results Last?

Just like any facial rejuvenation procedure, results vary from patient to patient, but with facelifts in general, most can expect to look about 10 years younger once the final results are seen. After a facelift, it’s extremely important to wear sunscreen daily, protective clothing like a hat when spending time outdoors, and avoid smoking.

As time goes on, skin aging will naturally occur, and this is where a facelift revision can come into play if results begin to fade after a decade or more has passed.

Something to keep in mind is that if a facelift is done before the 40s or before significant signs of aging are present, the final results will appear more subtle.

Are there Options Besides a Facelift to Help Tackle Skin Aging?

If you’re not quite ready for a facelift, there are many other alternatives that are cost-effective and don’t require surgery. Botox^® and dermal fillers have become increasingly popular for treating early signs of aging, offering less downtime and commitment. Laser resurfacing can also help combat premature signs of aging, making it a great choice for patients who aren’t ready to commit to a full facelift. Another option is Morpheu8, which combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and promote skin firmness.

Topically, patients may also benefit from incorporating a vitamin C serum or cream into their beauty routine, as well as retinol (or its gentler alternative, retinal), or tretinoin, to help fight the signs of early aging.

No matter what facial rejuvenation method you land on, choosing the right surgeon is key.

Dr. Yegiyants’ Approach to Facial Rejuvenation in Santa Barbara

Dr. Sara Yegiyants is highly skilled in cosmetic surgery, providing natural-looking changes that match each patient’s goals and natural beauty. She enhances facial harmony while preserving patients’ unique aesthetics. Dr. Yegiyants is triple board-certified and has an artistic eye that enables her to achieve beautifully balanced results for her patients.

If you’re interested in a facelift consultation or a consultation for any of our offered facial rejuvenation procedures, complete our patient contact form or call our office at 805-682-1731.