A Facelift at 30? Know When The Time Is Right For You

Everyone wants to look their best at any age. Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, women and now even more men are turning to cosmetic options as soon as their youthful looks start to fade. Different factors can contribute to our aging skin, including sun exposure, genetics, and lifestyle choices of drinking or smoking. Our skin breaks down naturally as collagen production decreases, and skin loses its elasticity. At some point, skin becomes saggy, less plump, and wrinkles become more visible, leading individuals to seek rejuvenation help. With so many surgical and nonsurgical options available today, it can be difficult to know what you need and when you should start.

At Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA, the plastic surgeons have over 75 years of combined experience. This premier cosmetic practice has been helping patients in Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC, area get excellent results and the cosmetic answers they need. With the advanced technology and surgical techniques available today, individuals have more facelift options to minimize those early signs of aging. You can age gracefully, and cosmetic centers like Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery can help.

Is a facelift the right solution?

The natural process of aging happens to both women and men. Each decade poses different hurdles as facial skin begins to change, usually between ages 35 – 40. In many cases, women (and yes, even men!) are taking control of their appearance with options like BOTOX® or dermal fillers. These "liquid facelift" treatments can do wonders for some, but not all patients benefit. Do you have an issue with loose skin? Are wrinkles or fine lines still present even when your face is at rest? Have you tried BOTOX or fillers but the results don't last as long as you would like?

Facelift help

With advancements in surgical techniques and medical technology, Northern Virginia patients have several different facelift options. A facelift procedure is a long-term solution to reduce visible signs of loose skin or wrinkles, and one that has improved over the years to offer patients a more customized experience. Facelift procedures with the surgical experts at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery are tailored to what each patient needs, no matter what their age.

What age is the right age?

The main factor about aging is that everyone progresses at their own pace. Generally, both women and men in their 20s or early 30s have no concerns about looking older. Their skin is still plump, tight, and wrinkle-free. Yet when we enter our mid to late 30s, the facial skin begins to break down, especially for women. Most patients in this age range opt for a "liquid facelift" of dermal fillers or BOTOX, while lessening their sun exposure and revving up their skin care regimen.

However, some patients turn to the surgical option of a facelift to give their face a boost before heading into their 40s. There is no exact timetable on how a person's skin will age. Consulting with a plastic surgeon at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery is a good first step before making a decision.

A mini facelift at 30

A mini facelift doesn't mean minimal results — it is a surgical option catered to individuals with minor or slightly sagging skin in their facial area. This is an excellent choice for individuals in their 30s already experiencing facial sagging in the lower jowls or neck area, and is a less invasive alternative than a traditional facelift. A mini facelift utilizes smaller incisions that are easily concealed but still tighten target areas. Patients in their 30s can have smoother, more long-term results while forgoing the regular maintenance of nonpermanent options like BOTOX or dermal fillers.

Each decade will bring on new hurdles in the aging process. If you are in your mid to late 30s and considering a facelift procedure, here are a few things to consider:

• Do you want to tackle small problems and enter your 40s with a fresh, new look?

• Have you already exhausted nonsurgical treatments and need more long-term results?

• Are you experiencing signs of static (permanent) wrinkles around your eyes or mouth, or have an overall tired look?

Everyone has their own concerns about aging skin. Since 40 is the new 30, you may want to consider getting a head start with a facelift procedure. If you are in your late 30s and considering a facelift, there are a variety of options to customize your experience. The experts at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA, want to help you make the right choice. After a thorough consultation, they will discuss your aesthetic concerns and determine a plan of action to help you maintain a youthful appearance. We invite you to call and schedule your consultation today.