As we age, our faces and necks are usually the first to show signs of aging. These tell-tale signs of aging often lead people to ask themselves, “Should I get a facelift to look and feel more like my younger self?”
It’s natural to wonder whether a facelift can restore your more youthful look. Before making this significant decision, though, consider the following 5 key questions to determine if this transformative procedure is right for you.
1. Is Skin Laxity Becoming More Pronounced?
A bit of sagging is natural with age—it happens to everyone eventually. While some degree of skin sagging is a natural part of the aging process, extensive laxity may indicate the need for surgical intervention. Common signs of facial skin laxity include the following:
- Drooping skin in the midface or jawline
- Flattened cheeks, softened jawline, and a general loss of definition in facial features
- Wrinkles and deepening folds and creases
- Hollowing under the cheeks and temples
If your face persistently looks tired, it may be time for a facelift. You can learn more about all the areas of sagging a facelift can address in our related blog post.
2. Do You Need To Address Your Eyes or Forehead?
It’s important to identify the specific areas of concern on your face. If forehead wrinkles, a drooping brow, or sagging eyelids are your main issues, a brow lift or eyelid surgery might be more appropriate. However, if your areas of concern extend from below the eyes to the neck, including vertical neck bands (aka plastysmal bands), a facelift may offer more satisfactory rejuvenation.
3. Has Your Jawline Definition Diminished?
A well-defined jawline creates a youthful appearance. If you’ve noticed the development of jowls, significant lower facial wrinkles, or a loss of jawline definition, you may benefit from a facelift. A simple self-assessment can be performed by gently lifting the skin along the jawline toward the ears, simulating the effect of a facelift. If you like the results, you could be a good candidate for a facelift that corrects a drooping jawline and tightens your chin area.
4. Are You in Good Health?
Good overall health is a prerequisite for any surgical procedure. Being in good physical condition not only enhances the likelihood of achieving excellent results but also minimizes the risk of complications and promotes faster recovery. A thorough health evaluation is an essential step in determining your suitability for a facelift.
5. Are You Emotionally Prepared for the Surgical Journey?
A successful facelift requires more than physical readiness; emotional preparation is important, too.
- Carefully consider your motivation for seeking a facelift. (Do this for yourself, not anyone else.)
- Make sure you have an adequate support system.
- Ensure you’re able to manage recovery and downtime.
This means being prepared for temporary changes in your appearance, potential emotional fluctuations, and the time commitment required for healing.
Understanding and managing expectations is crucial. A facelift enhances your appearance, but it doesn’t completely change the way you look. Be realistic about the gradual nature of results, the potential need for follow-up procedures, and your own emotional resilience during the healing journey. Consulting with your surgeon about these emotional aspects can ensure you’re truly prepared for the surgical experience.
Talk to an Experienced Facial Plastic Surgeon
Our signature facelift, the Reflection Lift, is a unique approach Dr. Boggess developed from 17 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures. Call us today at (615) 942-8016 or use our online form to request a consultation for a facelift that is exceptional, natural-looking, and tailored to your individual anatomy, concerns, and goals. We want you to ‘Love Your Reflection.’
