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The most recent trend in facial aesthetics has been that women and men are seeking facelifts at much earlier ages. In Washington DC facelift patients are gravitating towards having lifts in their forties to correct early signs of aging, and even in their thirties to perfect contours and to slow the effects of facial aging. Behind this behavioral shift has been a mindset of maintaining, rather than overhauling, one’s features and there are many reasons for this shift in mindset.
First, in our modern digital era of social media and Zoom, we’re paying more attention to our appearances and so the need to look fresh and youthful. Second, many patients have tried non-surgical treatments but have reached a plateau and now want a permanent, “one and done” solution. Third, a facelift in younger years keeps one looking fresh without a dramatic change as compared with an “overhaul” in later years – the transformation, as well as recovery, is less dramatic and oftentimes less involved.
If you’re starting to notice and be concerned by age-related changes showing up in the mirror, then “nipping in the bud” early aging changes can be a wonderful way to enjoy a youthful and fresh appearance sooner and longer, while also delaying the need for more transformative procedures that might be needed if one were to wait.
Patients who are healthy, non-smokers, who have reasonable goals, and whose anatomy is favorable for correction (this depends largely on Dr. Rad’s assessment) may be good candidates for a facelift at earlier ages. This is a very personal decision and Dr. Rad will advise you very candidly about the advantages and disadvantages associated with earlier facelift surgery. The 10 most common reasons patients seek facelifts at younger than usual ages are as follows:
1. Your anatomy and genetics predispose you to have loose tissues at an early age.
2. You are concerned that you look older than your actual age.
3. You have had non-surgical treatments such as fillers, laser, or skin tightening treatments and at this point, you desire a greater degree of improvement than what they can offer.
4. Your schedule doesn’t allow extensive time commitment to non-surgical “upkeep” of your appearance and so you desire a permanent, “one and done” approach.
5. You want to maintain a fresh appearance rather than waiting for greater laxity to appear which may require a more significant “overhaul”.
6. You have a big life event, such as a wedding or major career change, and want to present your “best self” to the world.
7. You want to perfect certain facial areas that have always bothered you such as blunted jawline or weak chin.
8. Subtle changes in your appearance now catch your attention such as a loose neck, downturned corners of the mouth, or nasolabial folds.
9. You have lost a lot of weight and now see looseness in your facial tissues.
10. Success in your career or social circles depends on looking vibrant and you wish to reverse a tired appearance.
This is a very common question that patients ask Dr. Rad, and gone are the days of waiting until the 60s or 70s when the whole face has dropped and needs an overhaul!
There are many good reasons to consider a facelift at younger ages:
1. Your tissue quality is better at younger ages, so your results hold up for longer.
2. A subtle refresh is a smaller change as compared with a bigger surgery in later years.
3. If your appearance bothers you now, then it will only worsen with time.
4. Future revision facelift is both feasible and safe.
5. You can enjoy a fresh appearance earlier and for longer!
There’s no right or wrong age for a facelift, and optimal timing is different for everyone. However, with safe surgery, you can enjoy a refreshed appearance at any age.
Gone are the days of waiting until the 60s or 70s when the whole face has dropped and needs an overhaul. Nowadays patients are interested to look fresh earlier so they can enjoy their youthfulness for longer, and investing in your facelift now can be much more cost-effective in the long term than fillers.
Here are the top 5 misconceptions about facelifts at younger ages:
Shouldn’t I just keep using fillers to lift my face?
Fillers only fill, they don’t lift sagging tissues despite the heavily marketed, and misleading, term “liquid facelift”. Although fillers can prolong the need for a facelift by masking subtle age-related grooves and folds, they don’t address the true problem of tissue looseness. Eventually, facial tissues descend to the point where fillers won’t help and patients are in need of a facelift.
Isn’t a facelift only for older people?
Far from it. Women and men in their 40s and even in their 30s, want to stay looking fresh and like they’re not aging. Everyone has personal reasons for this, whether it’s staying relevant in the marketplace, feeling a need to look vibrant and energetic in their careers, or just doing it for personal reasons because it gives a boost in confidence and “raison de vivre.” Regardless of personal motivations, Dr. Rad’s patients want to look natural and present the best versions of themselves.
Will a facelift cause damage to my tissues so that it’s just better to wait?
In skilled hands, this is not at all true. In our youth, we have better tissue quality than in later years when our skin and tissues have thinned and aren’t able to hold tension as well. The advantage of stronger tissues is that facelift results will last longer, often 15-20 years, when done at an earlier age before one might consider another facelift. And, when a facelift is done well, tissues are not damaged and in fact, blood flow increases making future facelifts safe and feasible.
Aren’t fillers much less costly than a facelift?
Yes in the short term, no in the long term. Although a single filler treatment is unlikely to cost as much as a facelift, over time cost adds up eventually to more than the cost of a facelift, and then be back at square one of needing a facelift. For example, if you were to spend $5,000 per year on fillers, and a facelift costs $30,000 you will have spent the equivalent amount after 6 years. And, because fillers disappear, you’d still be back at “square one” of needing a facelift. So, in fact, the facelift at an earlier age has a value greater than just the dollar amount.
If I have a facelift now, I won’t be able to have one later, right?
This is a common misconception, and in fact, Dr. Rad commonly performs revision facelift for patients who have had a prior facelift. Provided that your first and subsequent facelifts were done well, without damage to skin or tension on facial structures to cause a windswept appearance, then revision facelift several times is safe and effective in prolonging your youthful appearance.
Your vision for your results will emerge through detailed consultation with Dr. Rad, meticulous examination of your anatomy, and careful pre-surgical planning. While his surgical approach is unique for each patient, the goal of naturalness remains constant. Looking over brow lift before and after photos in our gallery will help you better understand the results that Dr. Rad can achieve.
Actual Washington DC Facelift Patient of Dr. Rad’s
See More Top Facelift Results
Sherber+Rad cannot guarantee specific results.
Individual results may vary.
Yes, a facelift can be done on individuals who are under 40 years old. The decision to undergo a facelift depends on a variety of factors, including individual goals and concerns, skin elasticity, and the extent of aging or sagging skin. In general, individuals who are younger may require less extensive surgical procedures to achieve their desired results, as their skin is typically more elastic and resilient than older individuals. However, each person’s unique anatomy and goals must be carefully evaluated by a qualified plastic surgeon to determine if a facelift is appropriate and to customize the procedure to their specific needs.
Whether or not it is safe to have another facelift depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the extent of the previous facelift surgery, and the goals and expectations for the new procedure. In general, it is possible to have a second facelift safely, but there are some potential risks that need to be considered. The most important factor to consider is the amount of time that has elapsed since the initial facelift. Surgeons typically recommend waiting at least one year after the initial procedure before considering another facelift. This allows sufficient time for the tissues to heal and for the full results of the initial surgery to become apparent.
In summary, the main differences between a mini-facelift and SMAS facelift are the extent of the surgery, the areas of the face targeted, the length of the incisions, and the expected results. Both procedures can be effective in rejuvenating the face, and the choice between them depends on the individual’s goals, the extent of aging, and the advice of a qualified plastic surgeon.
Having a facelift under 40 years old is not necessarily a bad idea, as long as the decision is made after careful consideration and consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. In fact, some individuals in their 30s and early 40s may begin to experience visible signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin, loss of volume, and wrinkles. Ultimately, the decision to have a facelift should be made in consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can evaluate the patient’s individual needs and provide personalized recommendations for the most effective and safe treatment options.
Some potential benefits of having a facelift at a younger age include: more natural-looking results, delayed signs of aging, increased confidence and self-esteem, better surgical outcomes, and long-lasting results. It’s important to note that while there are potential advantages to having a facelift at a younger age, the decision to have the procedure should be based on individual goals and concerns, as well as a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. The surgeon can assess the patient’s individual needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for achieving their desired outcome.
Undergoing a facelift at a younger age does not guarantee that you will age well in the future. Aging is a natural and ongoing process that affects everyone, and the results of a facelift procedure can vary depending on individual factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and sun exposure. However, having a facelift at a younger age may allow you to age more gracefully by delaying the onset of more significant signs of aging. It can also help you to feel more confident and comfortable in your appearance, which can have positive effects on your overall well-being.
A “ponytail facelift” is a term that refers to a type of facelift procedure that specifically addresses sagging skin and jowls in the lower face and neck area. The name comes from the fact that the procedure is designed to provide a lifted and tightened appearance to the lower face and neck, similar to the effect of pulling your hair back into a ponytail. The ponytail facelift is generally considered to be a less invasive alternative to traditional facelift procedures, as it targets specific areas of concern rather than addressing the entire face. It is often performed on younger patients who are just starting to experience signs of aging in the lower face and neck, and who may not yet require a full facelift.
An endoscopic midface lift is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is designed to lift and rejuvenate the middle region of the face, specifically the cheeks and under-eye area. The procedure is performed using an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached to the end, allowing the surgeon to view the internal structures of the face without making large incisions. The advantages of an endoscopic midface lift over traditional facelift procedures include less scarring, reduced risk of nerve damage, and a shorter recovery time. Patients can typically return to work and other normal activities within a week to 10 days after the procedure.
The primary difference between a facelift in your 50s versus in your 40s is the degree of aging that has occurred and the specific areas of the face that are affected. A facelift in your 50s may therefore involve more extensive surgical techniques to address these issues, such as deeper tissue repositioning and fat grafting to restore lost volume. In contrast, a facelift in your 40s may be more focused on addressing early signs of aging, such as fine lines, minor sagging, and a loss of definition in the jawline.
The type of facelift you may need in your sixties will depend on several factors, including your individual anatomy, the extent of your facial aging, and your desired outcome. Common facelift options for patients in their sixties include traditional facelift, neck lift, midface lift, fat grafting, brow lift, and eyelid lift. It’s important to work with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate facelift option for your individual needs and goals. They can evaluate your facial anatomy and recommend a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired outcome.
In general, age alone does not disqualify someone from having a facelift. However, as we age, our skin becomes thinner and more fragile, and healing can take longer. For this reason, patients in their 70s who are considering a facelift should undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. It’s also important to have realistic expectations about the outcome of a facelift in your 70s. While a facelift can help to address sagging skin, deep wrinkles, and loss of volume, it cannot stop the aging process entirely.
When looking for a facelift surgeon, it’s important to do your research and consider factors such as the surgeon’s training, credentials, experience, and patient reviews. You can start by looking for board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in facelift procedures and have a track record of successful outcomes. It’s also a good idea to schedule consultations with several surgeons to discuss your individual needs and goals and to get a sense of their approach and bedside manner.
Perception of a surgeon’s “fame” on social media or advertisings can be misleading because the work should speak for itself rather than rely on advertising or numbers of followers (which can be autobot-generated). Surgeons who are focused on fame rather than consistent quality may not deliver best results, whereas surgeons not focused on “fame” but focused on quality tend to have more humility, empathy and attention to small details, as compared to the “Insta-famous” self promotional types. While a surgeon’s social media presence can provide insight into their work and aesthetic sensibilities, it should not be the sole factor in your decision-making process.
Our plastic surgery office in Washington DC is centered on your comfort and privacy. You’ll be received by our exquisitely attentive staff, and escorted to your own private cabana wherein you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable while consulting discreetly with Dr. Rad. First Dr. Rad will determine if you are a good candidate for surgery and during your consultation you should decide if Dr. Rad is the right surgeon for you. Credentials are crucial and, in addition to being Board certified in plastic surgery, Dr. Rad is Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, and he enjoys an impeccable reputation as a top flight aesthetic surgeon. His facial plastic surgery expertise is sought out as one of the best surgeons in Washington DC, northern Virginia and the US. Your safety is Dr. Rad's primary concern and he will review your medical history. You should inform Dr. Rad of any medical problems or medications that may affect your healing. If you are medically appropriate to undergo surgery then Dr. Rad's focus will be to understand what specific aesthetic concerns you have. Washington DC patients expect natural results with minimal downtime. Dr. Rad will spend time carefully listening to your concerns, asking clarifying questions and then masterfully guiding you, step by step, to understand how your unique anatomy can be improved to convey a rested appearance. Dr. Rad’s goal is to determine the most comprehensive approach for long lasting, natural results while minimizing downtime. Dr. Rad first needs to understand your specific concerns and you should prepare your thoughts prior to your consultation. Think of words that convey how you feel about your appearance. For example, Washington DC patients often say they look fatigued, tired or lackluster because of undereye bags or dark undereye circles, or they look sad, upset or disinterested such as from heavy eyebrows, excess skin above the eyes or downturned corners of the mouth. Patients often relate concerns of looking older than how they feel and this can be caused by jowls, nasolabial folds, loose neck skin, lines and wrinkles. Try to put into words how your appearance bothers you, and the priority you give to each area. Dr. Rad will then present to you his expert opinion about which procedures would be best to restore your anatomy to create a rested and refreshed appearance. And since surgery is intricate Dr. Rad will guide you through a stepwise approach of aesthetic analysis and he’ll deliver his recommendations in a clear and honest manner. Dr. Rad will present all options available in modern day surgery, both non-surgical and surgical. Dr. Rad and Board certified dermatologist Dr. Sherber often collaborate to optimize patients’ results and to minimize invasiveness. As such Dr. Rad’s modern approach to surgery harnesses the power of both dermatology and plastic surgery as both specialities address different aesthetic challenges. For example, plastic surgery is effective to lift, tighten and volumize loose, atrophied tissues, whereas dermatologic treatments such as laser, radiofrequency tightening and skincare are best to improve skin texture, pigmentation and tone. Dr. Rad can address any concerns regarding skin quality and how to obtain and maintain optimal results. Dr. Rad will review with you photos of his patients’ results (many of which you’ll not find online due to privacy concerns) to highlight his aesthetic approaches and skill. He will take your photographs, which remain confidential, to assist with the planning of your surgery. For your safety Dr. Rad performs surgery in a hospital-based operating room, considered to be the safest environment, rather than in the office. Anesthesia is delivered by a board certified anesthesiologist (MD) and you’ll be under light anesthesia which is important for your safety and comfort. You will receive a customized quote for the procedures in which you’re interested. Once approved we may then move forward with pre-operative preparations and you will meet with Dr. Rad again at your final in person consultation prior to surgery. Dr. Rad’s reputation as one of the most technically gifted surgeons attracts patients nationally and from around the world. We cater to patients from across the globe by arranging virtual consultations, luxury accommodations at The Jefferson hotel, Washington DC’s most luxurious 5 star boutique hotel, as well as private nursing care. Your privacy, comfort and safely achieving exceptional results are our top priorities.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MY CONSULTATION WITH DR. RAD?
Dr. Rad’s credentials speak for themselves: Princeton (B.S.E, Magna Cum Laude), Duke School of Medicine (M.D.) and University of London (Ph.D.) educated and Johns Hopkins Plastic Surgery trained, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins, and long-standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Rad is considered an expert in facial plastic surgery and microsurgery. He is ranked the #1 plastic surgeon in Washington DC based on aggregate ratings from all independent ranking websites: “top rated local“, “three best rated” top plastic surgeon and “top plastic surgeon reviews“. SHERBER+RAD has never engaged in paid advertising, and all rankings, and reviews are from vetted and respected sources.
The cost of a facelift (midface, lower face, neck lift) under Dr. Rad’s care starts at $25,000 and increases depending on anatomical needs (specifically whether deep gland and fat reduction is needed), aesthetic goals, and whether other facial procedures are combined with the facelift. The cost for total facial aesthetic surgery ranges $30,000 to $125,000 for corrective work or comprehensive facial aesthetic enhancement that includes eyelids, brows, nose, lips, etc. Note that pricing is customized for each patient and these guidelines do not necessarily apply uniformly.
Total cost depends on multiple factors: your unique anatomy, your goals, complexity of the procedures, the technique used (non-surgical versus surgical), whether corrective work is needed, in-office or hospital-based operating facility, combining multiple procedures (increasing concessions apply for multiple procedures), and the training, certification (Board certification is essential), experience (at least 8 years of experience after residency is recommended), and eye and skill (the unteachable talent) of your surgeon.
Oftentimes patients also want to refresh their eyes, lift the brows or outer eye corners (canthopexy), add facial volume with fat grafting, or perfect the nasal shape through rhinoplasty. These procedures boost the investment which, for total facial rejuvenation, can reach $95,000. Although the “upfront cost” is more significant, surgery is more cost-effective in the long run as compared with non-surgical treatments. The cost of corrective surgery may be greater than that for primary surgery. SHERBER+RAD offers financing options through CareCredit. Keep in mind that all patients must be in financially comfortable circumstances in order to undergo elective aesthetic surgery. Dr. Rad does not advise proceeding until this is assured.
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Sherber+Rad1101 15th St. NW, Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20005