Over time, the shape and structure of our face and neck change significantly. For many people, this can be distressing, as it hides their natural beauty and might make them look fatigued or older than they actually are. Fortunately, there are methods that can help you regain your youthful complexion. Dustin C. Derrick, MD, is the lead plastic surgeon for face lifts and mommy makeovers at Cosmetic Surgery of DFW in Fort Worth, TX.
No matter your current age, he will be happy to consult with you and figure out whether now is the right time for surgery. If you’re in your late 30s or early 40s, he might suggest a mini lift to keep you in perfect shape. For older women, a full lift could be a good fit because it restores your features more completely. Those suffering from wrinkles or sagging skin in the neck area could benefit from a neck lift, as well.
The Best Age for Your Face Lift
There is no one best age for getting a lift, and different women will have different needs. For example, you might want to get started early on to keep yourself healthy and youthful-looking. However, not everybody is able to have surgery in their late 30s, and some people don’t have the time or money for a lift until they are in their 50s and beyond. It’s never too late to look into the procedure and find out whether it could be suitable for you.
A great plastic surgeon like Dustin C. Derrick, MD will be able to analyze your individual situation and help you find the best course of action. This might include a mini lift, a full lift, or even a different kind of surgery like the neck lift, which targets those wrinkles on your neck. He will also be able to tell you how to maximize your results and schedule up some follow-up appointments several years into the future.
Your Late 30s and Early 40s: The Mini Lift
People approaching their 40s may start to notice significant changes to how their features look. Wrinkles that started in your early 30s are deepening and becoming more visible, even if you’ve been moisturising diligently and staying out of the sun. Getting a mini lift, which is a lighter version of the full procedure, could be a great starting point for women in this age group.
Usually, the signs of aging are most visible in the lower face, which is why this area will be targeted by the mini lift. Your surgeon will plan the procedure with you, so you can get exactly the result you want. Because it’s a smaller surgery than the full lift, your recovery time is likely to be short, and you’ll be able to go back to work soon. What’s more, you can save money long-term because future surgeries will most likely be minor if you’ve started early.
Your Late 40s and Early 50s: The Full Lift
It’s not too late to begin the rejuvenation process if you’re in your late 40s and early 50s. In fact, many people consider this the perfect age to get their first lift. You might be more settled in your career, and your children may be slightly older and better able to take care of themselves. This makes your recovery process much easier and allows you to take more time off while you heal.
This surgery will target your whole face and remove the moderate to severe signs of aging you might be experiencing. Your surgeon will remove any excess tissue and reshape the remaining structures into a more youthful form. As a result, you will appear years younger, and everyone will notice that you look more awake and rejuvenated.
Your Late 50s and 60s: Surgery Later in Life
There are many reasons why people delay having a face lift until their late 50s or even their 60s. You might not have noticed the signs of aging so much before, or you may have been too busy at work to take the necessary time off. What’s more, many people in this age group have a higher disposable income, especially once the kids are self-sufficient, which makes surgery a much more realistic option.
Most women in this age group will still be eligible for surgery, so you should get in touch with your local specialist. They can have a look at your features and then recommend the type of lift that suits your needs.
Getting a Neck Lift
Your beautiful and youthful features are best shown off on an equally smooth neck. Having the face lifted is a great start, but you might look even better if you also address the wrinkles or sagging skin present on your neck. The surgeon can remove any excess fat or skin tissue that has been bothering you, for example, a double chin, and thereby restore the appearance of your profile.
This more complete type of facial rejuvenation is often the best option for people who get started a little later. Ask Dustin C. Derrick, MD when you first speak to him whether this would be the best solution for you.
Repeating the Procedure
One of the most common questions we get about our surgical procedures is how long they will last. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to tell, and a lot depends on the initial condition of your features and on how well you take care of yourself. Most people won’t have to come back to the clinic for five to ten years, so you can consider the neck lift to be a very long-lasting treatment.
Factors Affecting the Timing of Your Surgery
Although the above is a rough guideline about when to start having surgery, everyone will be different. There are several factors that significantly affect at what age you should start and what type of lift you should have. In particular, your goals, the lifestyle you have led early on, and any medical conditions will impact the timing of your procedures.
Your Goals
One of the things we will discuss at your initial consultation is what you hope to get out of surgery. Most people want to look more youthful, but some have a specific feature they would like to change. In such a situation, you might want to have your lift earlier and address this feature that has been bothering you for most of your life.
While there are women who are looking for a complete transformation, others would like their results to be more subtle and gradual. In the latter case, you should start earlier and possibly have more frequent, smaller surgeries.
Your Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors can have a big impact on how your complexion looks. It can be easy to ignore this fact when we are younger, and you may be paying the price for the decisions you made in your teens and twenties.
Some of the factors that make you age more quickly are smoking, drinking too much alcohol, eating an unhealthy diet, and spending too much time in the sun. All these activities can deteriorate your skin faster and make you look older than you really are. As a result, you might need to come to see a plastic surgeon earlier in life than someone who has been health-conscious from a young age.
Your Medical Condition
Not everyone is eligible for plastic surgery, and you might not be able to participate if you have a significant medical condition. For this reason, people who have a family history of relevant diseases should have their lift early. That way, they won’t be prevented from taking part and can take advantage of the many benefits of surgery for a decade or more.
Rejuvenate and Restore Your Beautiful Facial Features Now
The face lift is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries because it has such a profound impact on how you look and feel. If you’ve been struggling with low self-confidence due to the negative effects of aging, this could be the way to restore your features to their former glory. Starting in your late 30s, your surgeon can reconstruct your smooth skin and make you feel like yourself again.
Before deciding whether the lift is right for you, we will take into consideration your medical history, goals, and lifestyle. For this reason, it’s best to speak to us directly and find out more. If you have any questions about lifting procedures or the mommy makeover and would like to schedule a consultation with Dustin C. Derrick, MD at Cosmetic Surgery of DFW, call us at (817) 790-9229 or send us a message via our website.
