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Best Age for a Facelift or Neck Lift: Is There a ‘Right Time'

When it comes to facial rejuvenation procedures like a facelift or neck lift, one of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the best age to get one?” The truth is, there’s no single “perfect” age, but there is a right time for each individual. Whether you're in your 40s and noticing early signs of aging, or in your 60s looking to restore definition, the right time depends on your goals, anatomy, and lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll explore the ideal timing for a facelift or neck lift, signs to look for, and why earlier isn’t always better, or worse.

What Is a Facelift or Neck Lift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens sagging facial tissues, smooths deep folds, and improves overall facial contour, particularly in the mid to lower face. A neck lift (platysmaplasty) focuses on tightening loose skin and muscles under the chin and along the jawline, addressing “turkey neck,” jowls, and neck bands. These procedures are often performed together for a more comprehensive rejuvenation, giving natural, refreshed results that are long-lasting.

Most Common Age Range for Facelifts and Neck Lifts

While patients of all ages may benefit, the majority of people who undergo these procedures are between the ages of 45 and 65. Here’s a breakdown by age group:

In Your 40s:

Early Intervention Ideal for mild to moderate skin laxityGreat for those seeing early jowls or volume lossOften paired with non-surgical treatments (e.g. fillers, skin tightening)

  • Ideal for mild to moderate skin laxity
  • Great for those seeing early jowls or volume loss
  • Often paired with non-surgical treatments (e.g. fillers, skin tightening)

Why now? At this stage, many patients begin to notice subtle signs of aging, such as mild sagging along the jawline or under the chin. Addressing these early changes with a targeted surgical approach and skin-tightening procedures can help preserve youthful definition and postpone the need for more comprehensive surgery later on.

In Your 50s:

Peak Time for Rejuvenation

  • Noticeable sagging, deeper lines, and loss of skin elasticity
  • Optimal time for full facelift and/or neck lift
  • Skin still retains good healing ability

Why now? This age group often sees the most dramatic improvement from surgery, and is still young enough to heal quickly and maintain results long-term.

In Your 60s and Beyond:

Restore and Refine

  • More advanced facial aging (deeper folds, pronounced laxity)
  • May require a more comprehensive surgical approach
  • Often combined with skin resurfacing or fat grafting for best results

Why now? If you're in good overall health, age is just a number. Patients in their 60s and even 70s can achieve beautiful, natural-looking outcomes

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Signs You May Be Ready for a Facelift or Neck Lift

Why Sooner Isn’t Always Better While early intervention can be effective, it’s important not to rush into surgery.

Rather than focusing strictly on age, consider the visible signs of aging:

  • Sagging skin along the jawline or neck
  • Deep nasolabial folds (smile lines)
  • Jowls or marionette lines
  • Loose skin under the chin (“turkey neck”)
  • Loss of facial volume or structure

Many patients in their 30s or early 40s may benefit more from non-surgical options like:

  • Scultpra® or dermal fillers
  • Radiofrequency microneedling
  • CO2 laser resurfacing
  • Tox for dynamic lines

These treatments can maintain youthful features and push back the need for surgery, but when non-surgical tools no longer give you the results you want, it may be time to consider something more definitive.

Your Consultation Is Key

The best way to determine if it’s the right time for a facelift or neck lift is through a personalized consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. At our practice, we take a custom approach — evaluating your facial anatomy, skin condition, goals, and lifestyle to design a treatment plan that fits you.

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Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Face, Not Just Your Age

There’s no magic number for a facelift or neck lift, the “right time” is when you start to feel that the person in the mirror no longer reflects how vibrant and youthful you feel inside. Whether you’re starting to notice early changes or are ready for a full transformation, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule a private consultation today with Dr. Dunn, today. Let’s discover the right time, and the right plan, for you.

Simply fill out our consultation form below and we will connect with you as soon as possible.