The best age for a facelift is typically between your mid-40s and mid-60s, when early to moderate signs of aging begin to affect your jawline, cheeks, and neck. That said, the right timing is ultimately personal; I base the recommendation on your anatomy, skin quality, goals, and how aging is showing up for you.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I see people pursue facelift surgery at different points in life. Some patients choose to act early to maintain their more youthful features, while others wait until sagging and jowling become more noticeable. The goal is always the same: restoring a refreshed, natural-looking version of yourself.
Signs It Might Be Time To Consider a Facelift
While age offers a general timeline, your facial changes tell the real story. You may be ready to explore a facelift if you notice:
- Deepening lines around the mouth
- Jowling that softens the definition of your jawline
- Loose skin or banding in the neck
- Flattening or hollowing of the cheeks
- A tired or sagging appearance that isn’t corrected by skincare or injectables
These signs often appear gradually, and many people don’t realize how much aging has progressed until they compare old photos with recent ones. Recognizing these shifts early can help you choose the right intervention at the right time.
A facelift is most effective when it addresses these changes while the skin still has good elasticity, which is why many patients choose not to wait.
At What Age Do Most of My Facelift Patients Choose Surgery?
In my Palo Alto practice, most facelift patients choose surgery between their mid-40s and mid-60s, when aging can become visibly disruptive to facial shape and contour. Patients in this age range usually retain enough skin elasticity to achieve smooth, natural-looking results and a longer-lasting outcome.
Lifestyle also plays a role. Many people opt for surgery during a period when they can comfortably take time off work or caregiving responsibilities, which varies from person to person.
Is a Facelift Right for You in Your 40s, 50s, or 60s?
As you move through different decades of life, the way aging shows up on your face can shift significantly. Understanding how these changes evolve can help you decide whether now is the right time to consider a facelift.
- 40s: Early jowling or mild neck laxity often begins here. You may want subtle rejuvenation that keeps you looking like yourself for years to come.
- 50s: This is the most common time for facelift surgery. Deeper folds, jowls, and neck laxity become more visible, and a facelift restores youthful definition.
- 60s: Many patients get facelifts closer to retirement-age to address more advanced laxity, deeper jowls, and significant neck looseness for a comprehensive rejuvenation.
- 70s: Plenty of people wait until their 70s to get a facelift. As long as you’re in good health, you can enjoy all the improvements of a facelift in your 70s and beyond.
While aging patterns vary, each decade brings its own opportunities for meaningful, natural-looking rejuvenation. The best way to determine your ideal timing is through a personalized consultation where we evaluate your goals, facial anatomy, and overall health.
Complementary Procedures That Enhance Facelift Results
A facelift focuses on the lower face and neck, but aging affects the entire face. Combining procedures often yields a more harmonious and balanced result. Common enhancements include:
- Eyelid lift: Brightens the eyes by addressing heaviness or puffiness.
- Brow lift: Lifts sagging brows, alleviates hooding, and smooths the forehead.
These refinements, along with procedures such as fat transfer and laser skin resurfacing, help your results appear comprehensive and seamless. Treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers can further enhance or help preserve your facelift results.
How Do You Know the Time Is Right for a Facelift?
The right time for a facelift is when your facial aging no longer reflects how you feel, and nonsurgical treatments aren’t delivering the results you want. If you’re ready for a long-lasting solution with meaningful lift and contouring, surgery may be the best path.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
If you’re considering a facelift and want a personalized, honest assessment, I’d be glad to meet with you. Call my office today at (650) 325-1118 or request a consultation using the online form.
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