Is There a Best Time to Have a Facelift?

Facelifts provide outstanding results, helping your face appear naturally younger and tighter. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, they can take 10 years or more off of your appearance.

But many people don’t realize that having a facelift at one time can be more effective than having it at another time. Though it varies from person to person, there is the best time to have a facelift and this is how you know when it’s right for you.

You Have Signs of Early Laxity

Laxity refers to looseness in your face. It usually appears first around your jawline and probably won’t be as obvious to other people as it is to you.

You can check for early signs of laxity by tilting your head down and pressing on the skin of your jawline. Does it move more than it used to, even flapping? This is an early sign that you skin and tissues are becoming looser. When you have your head in an upright position, you may not notice much of a change at all.

However, over time, this skin will become more and more lax. It may seem like within just a few months, you’ve become a lot older looking. The best time to get a consultation is before the laxity becomes obvious. If you notice it early, see a plastic surgeon to find out their recommendation on timing of a facelift. They may recommend non-surgical treatments first to help keep you looking young.

Having a facelift before the laxity becomes obvious can help slow future aging and make it less apparent you have received a facelift. Your facelift will last 7 to 10 years, after which you can have a revision completed.

You Are Approaching Your 50s

In most people, both men and women, early laxity begins in the late 40s. However, this can vary a lot from person to person. You may be more likely to need a facelift sooner if:

You smoke
You have had high levels of sun or tanning bed exposure.
Your family tends to show signs of aging early.

If you are active, maintain a healthy weight and protect your skin from the sun, you may be able to go a little longer without a facelift.

At Galardi | Bowen Plastic Surgery in Virginia Beach, our expert plastic surgeon is ready to help you decide the best time to have a facelift and what procedure is right for you. Contact us today at (757) 496-5556 to learn more about our services.