Face Lifts - Candidates

A face lift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure designed to remove wrinkles and decrease the visible signs of aging. Most face lift candidates share a desire to improve their facial appearance. They hope to remove wrinkles and excess skin in order to look younger and more attractive. Face lifts and other facial rejuvenation procedures can help many patients to achieve these goals. Because a face lift is a serious medical procedure, it is not for everyone.

Am I a Good Candidate for Face Lift Surgery?

The best face lift candidates will have realistic expectations and follow the advice of their plastic surgeons. There is no optimal age for having face lift surgery performed. In fact, skin condition and texture are more important factors than age. After meeting with a cosmetic surgeon, the patient will usually be advised as to whether he or she is a good candidate for face lift surgery, or whether an alternate procedure might be preferable.

The best candidates for face lifts share certain important traits. The following is a list of factors that can affect whether or not an individual is a good candidate for face lift surgery:

• Skin elasticity- An optimal face lift candidate will have skin that retains some flexibility. This is important because facelifts stretch the facial skin to remove wrinkles. Successful healing with maximum results depends on having skin that is still fairly supple.
• Strong bone structure- An optimal face lift candidate will have a well-defined underlying bone structure to provide support and contribute to satisfying results. Patients with weak features may benefit from facial implants as an alternative or an addition to a face lift.
• Realistic expectations- An optimal face lift candidate will understand not only what face lifts can accomplish, but also the limitations of facial plastic surgery procedures. Consulting with a qualified plastic surgeon can help a patient attain the information needed to make the right decision about face lift surgery.
• Good overall health- An optimal face lift candidate will be generally healthy and will inform his or her surgeon of any preexisting medical conditions well in advance. A face lift is an invasive surgical procedure that requires significant healing and recovery, so it is essential that the patient be physically prepared for surgery.
• Loose skin on the face or neck –An optimal face lift candidate often wants to remove excess skin from the face or neck, tightening skin and removing wrinkles simultaneously. The surgeon trims the loose skin during the procedure.

Are there Current Age Limitations for Face Lifts?

Age is not the most important factor in determining who will be the best face lift candidate. Most patients who undergo rhytidectomy are between the ages of 40 and 70 years old. However, people older than 70 can benefit from the surgery as well. A qualified plastic surgeon can further evaluate each patient's skin texture and condition to make individual judgments and recommendations regarding candidacy.

Face Lifts for Seniors

More people over the age of 50 are turning to cosmetic surgery to improve their appearance, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Seniors are lining up for face lifts, laser skin resurfacing, BOTOX® treatment, and blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery). The doctor will take into account each person's particular circumstances, including age, before approving cosmetic surgery. Seniors undergoing surgery should understand that they will not look 20 years younger, although they will certainly look more youthful.

Locate a Cosmetic Surgeon in Your City or State

From face lifts to BOTOX® Cosmetic injections, DocShop can help you find the right cosmetic surgeon for any procedure. Use our national directory of skilled surgeons to learn more about face lifts and other cosmetic procedures.