Is There a “Right” Age for a Facelift?

One of the most common questions I hear in consultation is, “When is the right time for a facelift?” The truth is, there isn’t a magic number. Every face tells its own story, and the right timing depends on your unique anatomy, genetics, and goals. While the average age for facelift surgery often falls between 45 and 60, the decision is less about the number of candles on your birthday cake and more about how aging is showing up in your skin, muscles, and contours.

In your 40s and early 50s, you may begin to notice the first hints of sagging along the jawline, mild laxity in the cheeks, or early banding in the neck. In my practice and those of my colleagues, the goal is to spread the word that early intervention can produce results that are longer lasting (as the tissues in younger patients are stronger with more elasticity) and produce a change that is not so extreme as might occur at a more advanced age. While before and after photos with a drastic change are fun to see, I do think most of us would rather address aging with more subtlety.

Thus, as the years progress, changes tend to become more significant. By your mid-50s to early 60s, deeper wrinkles, volume loss, and more noticeable sagging often come into play, not only in the face but also in the neck, where skin laxity and muscle banding can create an aged appearance. 

Beyond 60, aging is typically more advanced, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. A facelift may be combined with complementary procedures such as a brow lift, fat transfer, or eyelid surgery to restore overall harmony. These enhancements create a balanced and natural-looking result, helping patients look refreshed and vibrant without appearing “overdone.”

It’s important to remember that facelifts aren’t about chasing a number. They’re about addressing changes in anatomy. In my practice, I only offer a deep plane approach to facelift and do not offer “mini” or “quick” incisions. The longest lasting and most natural looking results come from the deep plane approach. By lifting the muscle layer along with the overlying skin, there is minimal tension on the skin incisions as the support comes from the deep layers to restore what gravity has altered over time. The lack of tension on the skin is what makes deep plane incisions nearly invisible. As mentioned in my last newsletter, I’ve spent a great deal of time learning from and training with Dr. Mike Nayak, who is world renowned for his advanced techniques and astounding results. I have adopted his approach because I have found them to be the most precise, effective, and natural looking of all the different methods I’ve seen and experienced.

Similarly, Dr. Nayak’s philosophy is one that I have found very logical: a deep plane facelift must address both the face and neck, as the two communicate as a single layer. In my experience, the face cannot be restored without the neck also being undertaken at the same time. However, some patients can be a candidate for an isolated neck lift, completed through a single incision under the chin. You may come across numerous other options from surgeons with cute names or “novel” minimally invasive approaches, however these are not durable or effective long term. My goal is to offer my patients only the most state of the art procedures to protect their investments and produce outstanding results.

No matter your age, a facelift is surgery. That means it comes with recovery time, and the knowledge that aging continues even after your procedure. The best candidates are healthy, realistic about their goals, and ready to invest in results that will last 10–15 years or more. For many patients, restoring both facial and neck contours brings a level of confidence and freedom that makes the journey well worth it.

Facelifts today are not about creating a “different” face. They’re about restoring balance, refreshing your natural features, and helping you feel more aligned with the way you see yourself. Whether you’re considering facial surgery in your 40s, 50s, or 60s and above, or simply exploring non-surgical options for now, the most important step is a thoughtful consultation with a trusted surgeon who understands your goals. If you’re starting to wonder if a facelift might be right for you, let’s have that conversation. Together, we’ll explore your options, create a plan that feels right, and focus on results that honor your individuality. 

Xo,
Dr. G