When To Get A Facelift
Age
Age isn’t the defining trait that determines when to get a facelift, but there are some generalizations that can be made to help you determine when you want a facelift. It’s most common for people to get a facelift between the ages of 40 and 60. There are 2 main reasons these are the most popular ages for a facelift:
- Your skin will most likely begin to show signs of aging beyond fine lines at this point. While everyone’s skin is different, in general, your mid-forties are when the skin begins to lose more elasticity than before and wrinkles tend to become deeper.
- Receiving a facelift between these ages will give you the most time to enjoy your facelift. Facelifts typically create results that last between 10 and 20 years and, while there is no age limit for getting a facelift, not many people tend to get facelifts past age 70.
Skin Condition
While many people think age is the main factor that contributes to the skin looking unsatisfactory, this is actually not always the case. While age does affect the skin, there are lots of other factors that will influence the condition of your skin, such as the amount of wrinkles or skin elasticity. Everyone’s skin is different and some people may want to get a facelift as young as 30 or 35, whereas someone else will want to wait until age 60. Some major factors that will impact how your skin looks include:
- Exposure To UV Rays. You’ve likely heard that UV rays damage your skin and this is absolutely true. Not only do UV rays increase your risk of developing skin cancer, but they also lead to premature aging of the skin. UV rays break down collagen and elastin in the skin, causing the face to lose elasticity, sag, and develop wrinkles.
- Smoking. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes cause the blood vessels in the face to narrow. This reduces the amount of oxygen that flows to the skin on the face and it limits the amount of nutrients that can reach the skin cells. The repeated puckering motion of the lips while you smoke can also increase the appearance of lines around the mouth while the heat and uninhaled smoke of the cigarette damages and dries out the skin.
- Nutrition. Many people know that greasy or sugary foods can lead to breakouts, but the food you eat can also affect how youthful your skin looks. For example, sugary foods and too many processed carbohydrates can impact the collagen production of the skin. Eating healthy foods that fight anti-inflammatory responses (such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins) can help to keep your skin looking younger for longer.
Facelift Procedures In Kelowna
If you are interested in receiving a facelift, the most important factors are your own self-satisfaction and the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. Whether you are 40 or 60, spend your days in the shade or in the sun, a private consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon will help you determine if the time is right for a facelift. At Peterson MD in Kelowna, Dr. Brian Peterson will help you decide if a facelift is right for you and he can recommend other options, such as a neck lift or brow lift, if you are not ready for a full facelift. To learn more about facelifts and to schedule a consultation with Kelowna’s choice plastic surgeon, contact Peterson MD at 1-250-868-9099 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: How far in advance of a special event should I have a facelift?
A: The best time to schedule a facelift surgery in advance of a special event is at least 6-8 weeks. Although you will likely feel much better in the 2-4 week period after surgery, some of the outward signs of a facelift surgery may be present for the first 6 weeks. This means that you may not feel your best when seeing friends, old and new, and taking the expected photos that are typical at such an event.
Q: Will taking care of my facelift make the results permanent?
A: The skin will naturally lose elasticity as a person continues aging and the results of a facelift will not be permanent. The results of your facelift will depend on your age at the time of surgery, how well you protect your skin after the surgery, and how your body ages over time. With proper care, your facelift can last for up to 20 years.
Q: I’m considering getting a facelift but I want to learn more. What resources are there?
A: Peterson offers several informative articles about facelifts to help you learn more. You can also contact Peterson MD with any questions or concerns you may have.
