Once you’re in your 60s, it’s quite normal to notice a change in your facial tissue. Skin laxity and changes in how the tissues will sit – even the deeper facial tissues – can become more noticeable.
These changes can occur due to how the body naturally changes with age (such as a reduction in collagen and elastin production), and other factors like weight fluctuations, prolonged sun exposure, and a reduction of facial volume.
While there’s actually no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best type of facelift for patients over 60, we can still go over what your cosmetic doctor, Dr Rastogi may look for when deciding on the most appropriate type of facelift to perform.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the different types of facelifts, what they can address and what may sometimes be appropriate for candidates who are in their 60s.
What changes can a facelift address in your 60s?
Since multiple changes can have occurred in the facial tissue by the time a candidate has reached their 60s, some types of facelifts may need to address changes a little more deeply.
These deeper changes can include addressing multiple layers, including the underlying muscles, connective tissue, and underlying fat.
A facelift procedure will consider every unique patient’s needs and what they would like to focus on, which can include changes like deeper wrinkles, skin laxity around the jawline and more.
There are several types of facelift procedures, and they vary in depth, complexity, and area of focus.
The traditional facelift (SMAS facelift)
One of the more widely used facelift techniques involves lifting and tightening the SMAS layer, which is the connective tissue that sits beneath the skin and above the facial muscles.
As opposed to just pulling on the skin, Dr Rastogi repositions this deeper layer, which can help to achieve long lasting results.
Using the SMAS technique can also prevent the skin from being tightened or stretched too much, which can be helpful for those over 60 where skin elasticity may be a concern.
Deep plane facelift
The deep plane facelift technique goes a step further than the SMAS lift. In a deep plane facelift, Dr Rastogi releases ligaments that tether the deeper layers of the face, allowing the tissues to move more freely.
The repositioning occurs beneath the SMAS layer, which can actually allow for more noticeable changes in the mid face and jawline, especially for candidates whose facial tissues have experienced a more advanced level of laxity.
This more extensive method is often well-suited to patients in their 60s who want more noticeable, structural support. However, it always depends on factors like the level of tissue laxity or how visible the age-related changes are, and what the patient wants to achieve with the procedure when it comes to the results.
Extended facelift procedures or combined approaches
For some patients, a facelift on its own may not completely address all their personal areas of concern.
For example, if the neck is showing more significant signs of tissue laxity, or muscle bands, a neck lift may also need to be included in the procedure, with a combined approach. A facelift is only supposed to target the mid to lower face and sometimes the neck to some degree, so it may need to be extended to include an additional neck lift procedure.
Since a facelift only focuses on these areas, some patients may also want to address areas that are higher on the face, such as the upper eyelids or the forehead area. In these situations, additional procedures like a brow lift or blepharoplasty may also be included as a combined approach to extend the target area upwards.
It will all depend on each patient’s needs and individual features. It can be hard to say that a patient in their 60s will definitely need an extended or combined approach, so it’s essential that your needs are discussed during a consultation to determine the right approach for you.
What are some other facelift methods that may not be suitable for candidates in their 60s?
Apart from the SMAS facelift and the deep plane facelift, there are some less invasive facelift options, such as a mini facelift or even non-surgical facial treatments.
While these less extensive methods may be suitable for those who have more minor to moderate signs of ageing that they want to address, they are typically not suited to those who have more advanced signs of facial ageing.
A mini facelift typically focuses on lifting the lower face only and doesn’t address the deeper structures or significant skin laxity. Non-surgical facial treatments can be great for promoting collagen production and skin elasticity over time, but it may not be sufficient for those with more significant signs of ageing.
Still, we cannot necessarily definitively say that no candidate who is in their 60s will be suited to these methods – it still depends on personal goals and needs. Essentially, for many patients over 60, an SMAS facelift or deep plane facelift can be the most suitable approach, however it will depend on their level of skin laxity and what they are hoping to achieve.
Book a consultation with Dr Rastogi in Double Bay, Sydney
If you’re over 60 and are not sure what type of facelift procedure may suit you, a consultation will be the easiest way to answer all of your questions.
A consultation with a Sydney cosmetic doctor Dr Rastogi will allow for your facial tissue to be assessed, which will help to determine the most suitable approach. Dr Rastogi will also discuss what you want to achieve, which will help him to identify the right type of procedure that will be designed to achieve the results you are hoping for.
Once you have decided upon your most suitable type of facelift procedure, you can discuss how the procedure will be performed and what to expect throughout the process.
Please get in touch with our team to schedule your consultation in either Double Bay, Sydney.
