Surprising Facts about Facelifts

Plastic surgery is a subject people talk about constantly, often in the context of celebrity gossip. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I’m glad that awareness of cosmetic surgery is spreading, but I’ve noticed that there is a lot of incorrect information floating around as well. If you’re considering a facelift (or any other elective surgery, for that matter), it’s a good idea to educate yourself about the procedure. With that goal in mind, here are a few facelift facts that may surprise you.

Fact #1: More and more men are getting facelifts.

People typically think of plastic surgery as appealing to women because women have more of a tendency to by concerned about their appearance. But in our modern society, more and more men are acknowledging that they could stand to feel more confident in their appearance and that there’s no shame in working toward this goal. Just compare the last few years as an example – in 2016, 11.3% of facelift patients were men, while it was just 8.1% in 2010*.

Fact #2: For nearly 70 years, facelifts only treated the skin.

The first known facelift was performed in 1901, and from that procedure until 1968, a facelift only consisted of removing excess sagging skin and lifting the remaining skin to a higher position. This put all the tension on the skin and had a tendency to give patients the dreaded “wind tunnel look.” Facelifts have evolved since then, and today they typically involve restructuring the underlying muscle and other facial tissue as well. After all, these underlying tissues change with age as well, so raising the skin alone won’t give the natural-looking results that come from the more well-rounded facelifts performed today. Keep in mind, however, that some surgeons still do facelifts that make patients look “windblown” or “overdone, ” so it’s important to find a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing facelifts, and to look through the surgeon’s facelift before and after photos before you commit.

Fact #3: Facelifts are becoming more and more popular for the 65+ crowd.

Most people think of a facelift as a procedure for people in their 50s, perhaps early 60s, but recent trends show that there’s no age limit for enjoying your appearance. In fact, in 2016, patients age 65 and older accounted for over 30% of facelift patients in the US – the highest percentage since the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery began tracking this data in 1997*.

Fact #4: A typical facelift addresses the lower 2/3 of the face.

It’s easy to see how patients would assume that a facelift lifts the entire face. However, the lower 2/3 and the upper 1/3 of the face need to be rejuvenated in different ways. For patients with sagging skin throughout their forehead, I typically suggest a brow lift, also called a forehead lift or an upper facelift.

Fact #5: Every facelift is different.

The human anatomy is incredibly complex and it varies slightly with every patient, and facial aging is no exception. Because each patient ages in their own way and at their own pace and has different goals for their results, every good facelift is customized to fit the patient. Surgeons also have their preferred techniques, like the Band Aid Facelift I developed to reduce recovery time, scarring, swelling, bruising, and cost for my patients.

Fact #6: A facelift doesn’t remove all signs of aging.

Some patients assume, “If Botox® gets rid of my crow’s feet and a facelift is more extensive than Botox®, the facelift will remove my crow’s feet as well as my sagging skin and other signs of aging.” Unfortunately, there is no “one and done” procedure for facial rejuvenation. Facial aging happens in several ways at once, and while a facelift focuses on the structure of the face and the contours of the skin, it doesn’t address the more superficial issues. That’s why most facelift patients also get Botox® injections, facial filler injections, and/or laser treatments to reduce their fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

Fact #7: Facelift have risen by nearly 22% in the US since 1997*.

In recent years, the cosmetic world has been favoring a more natural look, but that doesn’t mean plastic surgery has slowed down. Patients are simply seeking procedures that give them a more natural-looking result, like mini facelifts and other minimally invasive options.

Fact #8: Facelifts may be more affordable than you think.

I see patients all the time who say, “I’ve wanted a facelift for years, but I assumed I couldn’t afford it, so I never looked into it.” In reality, cosmetic surgery is more accessible than many people realize. There has also been an increase in minimally invasive facelifts like my Band Aid Mini Facelift in recent decades, and when these procedures are performed in-office with gentle numbing rather general anesthesia, they can be about half the cost of a traditional facelift. Keep in mind that not all surgeons perform mini facelifts this way, though, so be sure to ask specific questions in your facelift consultation.

A facelift can make a great difference in a patient’s confidence on a daily basis, but only if it’s done correctly and performed by an experienced, qualified surgeon. Take your time to research board-certified plastic surgeons in your area. If you live in the Atlanta area, schedule a consultation at my plastic surgery office where I can meet with you directly to discuss your options.

*Statistics are from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.