Have you ever caught sight of yourself in the mirror or a shop window and felt surprised, shocked even, at the reflection? You still feel like the 20-year-old you used to be and can’t quite adjust to the fact that wherever you look, the signs of middle age stare back at you.
There are lines where there used to be smooth skin. The skin on your jawline is a little lower than it was. And don’t mention the crow’s feet around the eyes, or the frown line which remains, even when you’re smiling. And on top of that, everyone else seems to be getting younger – your doctor, your financial advisor, the teachers at your children’s school.
Of course, there are positive aspects to the ageing process, and we should all be grateful for the opportunity to lead long lives. But feeling good about ourselves is intrinsically linked to how we look. And as we age, some of us simply decide that a little extra help is required!
You’re not alone if you feel this way, and it’s probably the reason why face lift surgery remains one of the most popular procedures here at Manchester Plastic Surgery. Last year, more than 2,000 people underwent a face lift in the UK.
We are often asked what is the ideal age for a face lift? While there is no ideal age, as everyone ages differently, there certainly are advantages to undergoing the treatment before lines and wrinkles become too pronounced.
Subtle changes
One of the main concerns our patients express about having a face lift is whether anyone will be able to tell that they have had surgery. Most people are happy for close friends and family to know, but not their wider social circle, or their work colleagues.
This is one reason to consider having face lift surgery while your skin is still in relatively good shape. It enables us to make a subtle change, so you simply look a better, fresher version of yourself.
Better results
It’s also a good idea to have treatment before lines and wrinkles become too ingrained as this leads to better results. It is, of course, more difficult to remove deep lines, particularly frown lines or along the folds between the nose and the corners of the mouth and chin which are common problem areas.
Ages for a face lift differ
Years ago, face lift surgery was seen as the preserve of the rich and famous (we can all think of celebrities who have had plastic surgery, and in some cases, a little too much!) Because surgical techniques have evolved and treatment is now more accessible, more people are opting to have face lift surgery at a younger age, often in their 30s.
However, there is certainly no ‘ideal age’ to have face lift surgery, and it’s very much a personal decision. We all feel differently about our appearance at different stages of life, and what bothers you now perhaps didn’t bother you when you were younger and vice versa.
If you are considering having a face lift, the first step is to attend an initial consultation with one of our consultant plastic surgeons. They will be able to assess your skin and the underlying structure and give you a good idea of the results that could be achieved. The consultation is also an opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of face lift surgery so you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you.
Find out more about having a face lift at Manchester Plastic Surgery or get in touch to book an initial consultation
