Science still hasn’t found the fountain of youth, but facelifts can erase years of aging from your appearance. While genetics play a role in giving you youthful skin, everyone will experience some degree of wrinkling and sagging as they get older. Taking a look at these signs of being a strong candidate for a facelift procedure helps you determine if you’re ready to enhance your appearance.
1- You’re in Good Overall Health
Facelifts are surgical procedures that require you to be in the best shape possible for a full recovery. Ideal candidates for facelifts are non-smokers who live a generally healthy lifestyle. Your plastic surgeon will also assess your health to ensure that you’ll be safe during the procedure and have a good recovery.
2- Your Skin Has Good Elasticity
Skin loses some of its elasticity as you age, which is why you see deep wrinkles and sagging. But, you’ll also need some degree of elasticity to heal from the procedure. During your consultation, your surgeon can assess your skin’s elasticity to see if it is in good condition for a facelift.
3- You’re at or Close to Your Target Weight
Major weight fluctuations can impact how long the results of a facelift last. If you plan to lose or gain weight in the future, then it might be better to do it before you undergo the procedure. Being close to your target weight helps the surgeon plan for the facelift to give the most desirable and lasting results.
4- You Want to Improve Your Jawline and Neck
The combination of losing volume in the mid-section of your face and sagging skin can lead to issues such as drooping skin around your jaws and neck. The facelift procedure helps to tighten your jawline, which gives you a more youthful appearance.
5- Your Facial Expressions Don’t Reflect Your Feelings
If people are constantly asking you what’s wrong when you’re perfectly happy, then it could be that saggy skin is impacting your facial expressions. The effects of aging can sometimes make people appear to be stern or fatigued, even when they are well-rested and joyful. If you used to take pride in having a pleasant facial expression, then a facelift can help you feel comfortable with your facial features’ relaxed positions.
6- You’re Ready for Long-Term Results
When the signs of aging first appear, many people turn to other options such as injectables and microdermabrasion. These may still be options if you aren’t a strong candidate for a facelift, but the results of these procedures tend to be temporary. Once you’ve reached the point that you are ready for a permanent solution that corrects deep wrinkles and sagging jowls, a facelift is the best option for long-lasting happiness with your appearance.
7- You Have Realistic Expectations
Facelifts can work wonders for restoring your youthful appearance. But, they aren’t miracle procedures that can make you look like someone else. Plastic surgeons work hard to improve people’s appearance without making them look fake. Talking to your surgeon about your expectations is the best way to ensure that you are both on the same page.
8- You’re Committed to the Recovery Process
The initial recovery period for a facelift only takes one to two weeks, but your body will continue to heal for several months. For the first two weeks, your doctor may ask you to abstain from strenuous activities. Usually, light walking is okay to help boost blood circulation to your skin. You’ll also need to avoid direct sun exposure during the first three months following the procedure and use sunscreen once it’s okay to apply it to your skin. Making sure that you fully understand the recovery instructions helps you enjoy the best possible results.
The decision to get a facelift isn’t one to take lightly. When all signs point to you being a good candidate, make sure to consult with a plastic surgeon who can provide you with a professional recommendation on this procedure. Moving forward with a surgeon’s approval helps you feel confident as you prepare for your new look.
