January 22, 2026 | Facelift
4 minute read
No matter how well you care for your skin, at some point you’ll look in the mirror and see signs of aging you can’t quite ignore. You may notice that your jawline isn’t as sharp, your cheeks look a little more hollow, or your skin doesn’t bounce back the way it used to. Deepening lines and sagging around the jawline are also signs you may want to consider a facelift. But is there a “right” age to consider facial plastic surgery? The truth is that the best time for a facelift varies from person to person. In this blog, we’ll explore what really matters when deciding if now is the best age for you to get a facelift.
What Is a Facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure designed to rejuvenate the lower two-thirds of the face by lifting sagging tissues, tightening underlying structures, and smoothing creased skin. When Dr. Savalia performs a facelift, his focus is not on restoring your face to what it looked like in your 20s. Instead, he focuses on elevating the tissues to where they belong, refreshing your appearance, and unmasking your naturally beautiful features. He uses the following facelift techniques to achieve your ideal results:
Traditional Facelift
A traditional facelift addresses moderate to significant facial aging by repositioning deeper facial layers (known as the SMAS), removing excess skin, and enhancing definition along the jawline and neck.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane facelift goes a step further by releasing and elevating deeper ligaments beneath the SMAS layer. This method enhances midface volume, softens nasolabial folds, and provides a natural-looking, long-lasting result.
What Does a Facelift Address?
A facelift addresses a wide range of facial aging concerns, including:
- Jowls and loss of jawline definition
- Loose or sagging skin
- Deep creases and folds (such as nasolabial folds and marionette lines)
- Drooping cheeks or loss of volume in the midface
- Neck laxity and visible platysmal banding
When Should You Consider Getting a Facelift?
There’s no universal “perfect age” for a facelift, but most patients begin exploring the idea in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Here’s what truly determines whether the timing for a facelift is right for you:
Age Range
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, around 59% of facelifts performed in 2024 were on patients between the ages of 55 and 69. Patients between 40 and 55 accounted for 18% of facelifts, while patients over 70 made up 20% of the total. These numbers demonstrate how some people may benefit from earlier intervention, while others choose to wait. Those in their early to mid-40s may notice mild to moderate sagging and want to correct it before it becomes more pronounced. Patients in their 50s and 60s often experience more noticeable facial volume loss, jowling, and skin laxity, and want to correct those concerns. Ultimately, the “best age” for a facelift depends on your individual aging process and goals.
Skin Quality
Patients with good skin elasticity typically see the most natural, lasting results from a facelift, but even those with significant skin laxity can benefit from the right technique. Sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle habits all influence how your skin ages, making it essential to use high-quality skincare and to apply sunscreen diligently.
Overall Health
Candidacy for a facelift depends more on your overall health and lifestyle than on your age. Non-smokers in good physical health tend to heal better after a facelift and enjoy smoother recoveries.
Focus on Your Anatomy, Not the Calendar
The most important factor in deciding when to undergo a facelift is how you feel about the changes you see. Facelift timing should be driven by your unique anatomy, facial structure, and aesthetic goals—not the number of candles on your last birthday cake. A consultation with a highly skilled, board-certified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Savalia can help determine whether now is the right time or if non-surgical options may offer enough improvement.
Dr. Savalia’s Philosophy on the Best Age For a Facelift
Dr. Savalia believes that the appropriate age for a facelift is when you begin to see signs of deep tissue aging, with deepening of the nasolabial folds and marionette lines, formation of jowls, and loosening of skin and tissue under the chin. He is confident that you’ll see optimal results when you address these concerns sooner rather than waiting for advanced signs of aging to appear.
Learn More About Facelift Surgery in Newport Beach
If you’re bothered by jowls, sagging cheeks, or neck looseness that injectable fillers and skin tightening treatments no longer adequately address, it may be time to consider facelift surgery—regardless of your age. To discover if you’re a good candidate for a facelift, schedule a consultation with board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Nirav Savalia today by calling (949) 759-0980 or filling out the online contact form.
