Why Are Younger Patients Seeking Facelifts?
Traditionally, the typical patient seeking a face and neck lift is someone we envision needs one. The person is in his or her 60-70’s, with obvious sagging. While these older patients are still the dominant demographic looking to get a facelift, many plastic surgeons are seeing more much younger patients coming in for a facelift. I’m talking about people in their late 30’s to 40’s now! A recent article in American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery newsletter touched upon this new phenomenon. So why are younger patients suddenly interested in such an aggressive procedure?
This movement is known as “prejuvenation.” And, like almost everything in today’s world, It’s largely driven by the influence of social media and selfies. These younger patients are motivated by desire to achieve a natural look and prevent future wrinkles and sagging skin. We are definitely witnessing the pendulum swing away from the days of fillers. Just 10 years ago, it seemed everyone wanted fillers to reshape their face. Social media and media were frequently filled with celebrities and people looking exaggerated. We all recall the over filled cheeks and lips. Many people loved these results. Older patients then naturally transitioned to desire to use fillers to lift their sagging tissues. The problem is that—even with fillers with high g prime characteristics—using a gel to lift tissue is not easy. By the time one sees the lift of sagging tissue, frequently there is already an over filled and unnatural look. That is why I believe younger patients with still good elastic skin quality are better candidates for fillers than the much older patients. With time, more and more people began to dislike these unnatural results. I have been seeing many consults coming in specifically saying they DON’T want fillers. Now the trend is to look natural and push back the clock.
Most people want to look young and refreshed, but vast majority are uneasy about choosing surgery. This is understandable. Surgery typically instill a sense of fear and dread, because there are more risks with surgery. Scarring, bleeding, and permanent damages are scary complications. In addition, the downtime required to heal from surgery can be a major deterrent, especially in the younger patient who is likely still working. Thus, we see the explosion of various technologies, all claiming to restore your youth without surgery. Devices like Ultherapy, FaceTite, Em-sculpt etc are heavily advertised. However, you must realize these devices all are trying to lift tissue by causing controlled injury under your skin,, hoping to get enough lift for you to be happy. But you must also know there is a real failure rate for these devices, ranging from 20-40%. And the results often only last a year or two. Surgery gives the best result, because it can achieve the strongest pull to result in a natural look. And a facelift typically last 10-15 years. Many of my patients will tell me they view the much higher cost for a facelift to be actually more cost effective than a device’s fee. You have to go back every year to repeat the treatment. On the other hand, you pay once for a facelift and you should be good for 15 years.
We are seeing more and more patients now value looking natural and having a long lasting result as a key factor over the desire for a less expensive non surgical option. One influence is the fact that a well done facelift will leave scars that are very hard to see. After a facelift, you will have a nice result for 10-15 years. If you had the surgery around 40, then by the time you are 55’s, that is another ideal time to have another facelift. And by your 70’s, many people actually are content with how they look. But I have seen the rare patient who wanted a third facelift. Another consideration when you are debating whether to get a facelift in your mid 30’s to 40’s is that there is a good chance we can get a nice result by doing a mini facelift. A minifacelift is less aggressive than a traditional deep plane or high SMAS lift, but can achieve very nice result. One reason is our tissue is much more healthy and elastic when we are younger. These qualities definitely are factors that contribute to better results compared to very loose and sun damaged skin seen in the older population.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for a facelift is to see a board certified facial plastic or plastic surgeon. An in office consultation allows the surgeon to carefully examine your face and neck and see whether you are a good candidate for surgery.
For more information about San Antonio facelift surgery, please visit our interactive website at www.dryuplasticsurgery.com. Dr. Kenneth Yu Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is a qualified team of experts serving the San Antonio, Texas area. To schedule a consultation, please contact our Concierge Patient Coordinator at (210) 876-6868 or info@dryuplasticsurgery.com.
