While the timing of when to undergo a facelift will depend on the individual’s preferences, a few comments can be made regarding the process. Many patients are put off undergoing a facelift for understandable reasons. They may want to avoid the weeks of downtime, the costs, or the scarring involved. They may be more interested in non-surgical means of facial rejuvenation that can provide temporary relief from the signs of aging.
Some surgeons suggest, however, that the ideal time to undergo a facelift is during the beginning stages of skin laxity. The sagging in the face is not yet obvious but is concerning to the client. This typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 50 for women. They may have noticed jowls forming only in the last 6 months or so and have felt alarmed that their youthful identity is fading.
By undergoing a facelift early enough in the aging process, the transition into one’s older years can be softened. It may be less obvious to friends and family that a procedure has been performed, thus easing the social stigma of undergoing plastic surgery.
What issues make it even more important to pursue facelift surgery?
Stress is one of the top reasons why people may look older than they feel. Illness, relationship difficulties, and weight loss are also factors that can accelerate the need for a facelift. While weight loss can have a positive effect on one’s self-esteem, it can sometimes cause a great deal of skin laxity that must be addressed through surgery.
What are the benefits of facelift surgery?
A quality facelift performed by a consummate artist can help improve definition in the jawline, firm the jowls, and combat sagging skin in the midface. The underlying muscular support system of the face is addressed so that results appear natural and seamless. Incisions are well-hidden behind the ears within the hairline. An accurately timed and correctly executed facelift can slow down the aging process by as much as a decade.
What is the best time of year to undergo a facelift?
Timing can be assessed not only in terms of one’s age but also in terms of the season. It can be highly advantageous to undergo a facelift in the winter months when you aren’t traveling, you aren’t out in the sun, and you can hide your recovery process under multiple clothing layers. It’s also important to make sure that you undergo your facelift months before an important event or appearance so that your scars have time to heal and you are feeling your very best.
What is the takeaway?
A facelift is a major surgery that can dramatically rewind the clock on facial aging and help you to feel more like yourself. It can correct skin laxity in the cheeks, firm the jawline, and revitalize your appearance. While a facelift will help you to look better no matter when you pursue your surgery, choosing to undergo it sooner rather than later can help you transition into maturity with grace and confidence. Undergoing your surgery in the winter months will allow you the most downtime to heal and conserve energy.