Understanding How Facelift Surgery May Impact Age-Related Changes

Each person experiences the natural ageing process at a unique pace, with some individuals noticing changes more prominently than others. 

Factors such as lifestyle, sun exposure, and genetics all contribute to the visible effects of ageing, particularly in the facial area, where skin changes like sagging are often more noticeable.

While cosmetic procedures such as facelift surgery are available to address specific age-related changes, it’s important to view these options as personal choices rather than necessary fixes. 

Ageing is a natural process, and it’s not something one needs to alter to feel fulfilled. In this article, we explore how facelift surgery may address some of the physical aspects of ageing and what factors to consider when thinking about this procedure.

What causes facial ageing?

Shrinking of facial muscles

As you grow older, facial muscles weaken and shrink, resulting in changes in facial features. Some people display earlier signs of skin laxity and wrinkles. Others show more structural ageing, like heavy jowls and nasolabial folds, and others experience hollowing around the eye. 

Lifestyle behaviours

Your lifestyle can also affect your skin condition. Smoking may contribute to wrinkles and premature skin ageing. Overindulging in alcohol, caffeine, or sugary foods can dehydrate the skin, accelerating signs of ageing. Consistently poor sleep can also cause early signs of ageing as the restorative phase of the body is interrupted. 

Sun damage

One of the worst culprits for skin ageing is long term sun exposure. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation can produce harmful substances affecting your skin, resulting in hyperpigmentation or sun spots. That’s why it’s important to wear your sunscreen always. 

Age-Related Changes That A Facelift May Potentially Change, But Is Not Guaranteed To Completely Address

Ageing is a natural, universal process everyone experiences differently. Visible signs of ageing in the face are common as we age, with some seeing more prominent changes than others.

A facelift or rhytidectomy is a cosmetic procedure that “may” be undergone to alter specific changes as a result of ageing, but there is no guarantee when it comes to the results.

Here we’ll explore some of these potential changes alongside a frank discussion of the risks and considerations involved in the procedure.

Loss Of Skin Elasticity And Firmness

The skin naturally slows down the production of collagen and elastin (proteins essential for skin laxity and firmness). This can lead to looseness, particularly around the jawline and cheeks.

A facelift surgery may help reposition these tissues.

Deepening Lines And Wrinkles

Dynamic facial expressions may create lines and folds like the nasolabial folds. These may deepen with age as the skin and underlying support structures weaken. 

Loss Of Volume In The Mid-Face

Fat in the facial area may shift and diminish over time, leading to hollowness and sunkenness in the cheekbone area. 

Alterations In The Jawline And Neck

The lower face and neck areas are particularly prone to visible ageing due to gravity, skin laxity, and accumulated fat deposits under the chin and along the neck. 

Considering The Risks And Limitations Of A Facelift

You must approach any invasive procedure like a facelift with a realistic understanding of its risks, limitations, and the need to carefully decide before going through with surgery:

• Surgical risks: Infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anaesthesia may be expected as a result of an invasive cosmetic procedure.
  
• Scarring and healing: While the surgeon may take to great lengths to ensure the incisions are discreet, scarring is inevitable and may become visible. Recovery from a facelift may require several weeks, during which time swelling, bruising, and discomfort are to be expected. Healing also varies from person to person. Some may have shorter recovery periods, while others may need to recover for far longer.
  
• Facial nerve sensitivity: Facelift surgery involves working with the delicate structures of the face. Although rare, there is a risk of nerve injury, which can lead to temporary or, in very rare cases, permanent changes in sensation or muscle movement in the face.

• Emotional and psychological considerations: Cosmetic surgery can affect a person’s sense of self, and it is vital to approach a major decision such as undergoing a facelift, thoroughly. Approach the surgery with realistic expectations. Patients should feel at ease communicating concerns or questions with their surgeon.

• Limitations in reversing age-related changes: A facelift will not halt ageing. Further ageing will continue over time, and the results of the facelift will naturally evolve as part of this ongoing process. A facelift may address structural repositioning, but does not “correct” age-related changes like skin texture, pigmentation, or fine lines.

Deciding to undergo a facelift is a deeply personal choice that involves weighing potential benefits and risks. Cosmetic surgery is not a necessary step in accepting one’s appearance, and ageing should not be viewed as a flaw that needs to be “fixed.” 

Consulting with a qualified, experienced surgeon and having an open discussion about motivations, expectations, and concerns is an important part of determining whether any cosmetic surgery aligns with your personal goals and well-being.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.