The decision to get a facelift rarely happens all at once. It usually starts with small but persistent signs: Your jawline looks softer in photos, neck bands stand out during video calls, or fillers no longer create the lift they once did. When your appearance stops matching how energetic and confident you feel, you may be reaching the point where nonsurgical treatments aren’t enough.
If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to consider a facelift, these are the most common signs that you may be ready for a longer-lasting, structural rejuvenation.
1. You’re Experiencing ‘Filler Fatigue’
Fillers are fantastic for restoring early volume loss, but at a certain point, they can’t fix deeper sagging. It may be time to consider a surgical lift if you’ve noticed that you:
- Need more filler each year to achieve the same result
- Feel like your lower face looks “heavy” or “puffy” after injections
- Want longer-lasting and more natural definition
This is often when patients discover that a deep plane facelift can restore youthful structure without relying on volume to compensate for sagging.
2. Your Jawline Has Lost Definition
One of the earliest age-related changes is the softening of the jawline. It’s also one of the most common reasons women and men decide to get facelift surgery.
A facelift elevates deeper tissues, minimizing jowls and creating a sharp jawline that lasts. If this is your primary concern, you’re likely a strong candidate for facial rejuvenation. You might also want to check out our facelift candidacy page.
3. You’re Seeing Neck Bands or Loose Skin Under the Chin
Vertical neck bands, crepey skin, and fullness beneath the chin are often signs that it’s time for a deep plane facelift. I perform deep plane facelifts and neck lifts to create a unified, youthful contour from the cheeks to the collarbone.
4. You Want Longer-Lasting, More Natural Results
Nonsurgical treatments are excellent for maintenance, but they cannot match the longevity of a facelift. Modern deep plane facelift techniques deliver natural-looking results that typically last 10 to 15 years or more.
5. You Feel Emotionally Ready for a Change
Choosing to get a facelift is an emotional decision. You may be ready for a facelift if:
- You want your appearance to match how youthful and energetic you feel.
- You’re seeking confidence, not perfection.
- You’re motivated by subtle, natural enhancements and have realistic expectations.
- You’re prepared for 1 to 2 weeks of healing with residual swelling that may last for a couple of months.
If those resonate with you, you’re likely in the right place mentally and emotionally to benefit from surgery.
6. You Prefer a ‘Preventive’ Approach
Many patients assume they need to wait until aging becomes severe, but earlier intervention often leads to the most natural-looking results. When tissues are treated before they become significantly stretched or damaged, the outcome tends to look softer and more effortless. My wife, Sara, who is a nurse practitioner and our business and marketing director, wrote about her experience getting a facelift at age 46.
Want To Find Out if You’re Ready for a Facelift?
Not every patient who experiences these signs wants or needs a facelift. However, if you’re considering facial plastic surgery, it’s best to discuss your concerns and goals with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. You can use the online form to request a consultation or call our office at (817) 228-4315 to schedule an appointment.
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