Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

Am I a Candidate for a Facelift?

Not everyone with facial aging is a good facelift candidate. Here is how to know if you qualify.

Good facelift candidates have visible signs of facial aging and are in good health. Here are the key factors:

• Physical signs that suggest you may benefit:
• Jowls forming along the jawline
• Sagging skin on the cheeks
• Loose skin under the chin and neck
• Loss of definition between the jaw and neck
• Deep nasolabial folds
• Marionette lines around the mouth

• Health criteria:
• Good general health (no uncontrolled medical conditions)
• Non-smoker (smoking significantly impairs healing)
• Stable weight
• Realistic expectations about what a facelift can achieve

• Age considerations:
• Most facelift patients are in their 40s–70s
• Patients in their 40s–50s often benefit from a mini facelift
• Patients in their 60s+ often need a full facelift
• There is no upper age limit if you are healthy

• Who may not be a good candidate:
• Patients with unrealistic expectations (expecting perfection)
• Heavy smokers who cannot quit
• Patients with severe medical conditions
• Those seeking a facelift for fine wrinkles only (better treated with lasers)

The Consultation

• Your surgeon will evaluate:
• Your facial anatomy and skin quality
• The degree of aging in each area
• Your medical history
• Your goals and expectations

Clinical Guidance

Good facelift candidates have visible jowls and sagging, are in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations. A consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon will determine if a facelift is right for you and which technique would work best.