I think the best age for any individual to have a face and neck lift is when they want it. In some cases, that could be very early in their life. I recently helped a very attractive and young-looking individual, who thought the skin of her neck was a little loose. She was just 36 years old. I’ve also done facelifts very successfully and very safely on 85 year olds, and everything in between.
Another way of thinking about this question might be: Is there a physiologically best age for a facelift? Or, is there a time of their life that would be better to get a facelift versus another? Again, I don’t really think there is. I think if you get a facelift late in life, you’ve aged more and you’ll probably have more delta change. You’ll notice a more dramatic “before and after” change. But you’ve also gone all those years, without enjoying the results of the facelift. While if you do it earlier in life, you’re probably going to notice a slightly less dramatic change, but also a better end result. So in my opinion, again, there isn’t a best age.
Bottomline, the best time to get a facelift psychologically and economically depends on what that individual patient wants. Realize that cosmetic surgery is about want. It’s not about need. So, I recommend that you get a facelift when you really want one.
How long does a facelift last?
How long a facelift lasts depends on when somebody does their first facelift. If somebody gets their first facelift at 40 years old, they’re likely to get another one in their life. Not because they’ll need one, but because they’ll want another one. So up to age 55, I generally tell patients that people tend to come back to me 10 to 15 years after their first lift. And I’ve practiced long enough now that I have many patients who come back 10 or 15 years after their lift. So, if you get your first lift at 40, you’re likely to have another lift at 50 or 55.
On the other hand, if you get your first lift at 75 years old, you’re less likely to have a second facelift. You’re likely not to have another facelift at age 85 or 90.
How painful is a facelift in general?
There is some pain the night of surgery after having a facelift. We generally give narcotic pain medicine prescription to every patient. But know that most of my patients are off of the narcotic pain medicine within a day and a half to two days, and are taking only regular acetaminophen.
Of course, with anything. Pain varies by individual. Some patients have lower pain tolerances, and some patients have high pain tolerances. But as a general rule, two or three days is the total time that someone needs a narcotic pain medication.
How much does a facelift cost?
The cost of a facelift depends on the right facelift procedures for you, your surgeon, and where you are, i.e., if you’re having the procedure done in North Dakota or New York City. I can tell you, as a surgeon who practices in Los Angeles, I try and keep my costs reasonable. And my facelifts start at about $17,500 for the neck and mid face. That doesn’t include blepharoplasty or an eyelid lift. From there, my costs can go up based on the procedures needed, to about $25,000.
If patients are also interested in other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or brow lift surgery, the cost may be $35,000 for everything. But certainly, there are other surgeons who charge different amounts than I do. I just know what I’m comfortable asking.
Do you have questions about facelifts? Call or email me anytime. I would love to hear from you. I take a personal interest in each of my patients and I’d look forward to seeing you in my office. I think that individualized consultations, which I can either do virtually or in my office, are one of the most important steps in any procedure you may choose. An expert consultation allows us to achieve a great result together, and to increase your satisfaction.
Have questions about facelifts?
Email Dr. Sykes at [email protected]
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About Dr. Jonathan Sykes
Dr. Jonathan Sykes is a world-famous expert plastic surgeon who performs all cosmetic and functional plastic surgery procedures on the face and neck. He is a past president of The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and served on their Board of Directors for over 10 years. He is also a Professor Emeritus in Facial Plastic Surgery from UC Davis Medical Center, and the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at that institution.
He is known as the expert’s expert, and is often called to consult and advise other plastic surgeons in both Northern California and Beverly Hills. He has a special interest in eyelid and browlift surgery, facial rejuvenation surgery including facelifts, and rhinoplasty. He also has a particular interest in facial feminization surgery. Have questions? Email Dr.Sykes at: [email protected]
