Preventative facelifts are getting a lot of attention right now. To be honest, I’m not sure what the term is supposed to mean, and the idea doesn’t make sense to me as a surgeon.

My Approach: Solve a Real Problem

My philosophy toward plastic surgery is simple: I want to solve a problem for you. That means two things:

1. It has to already be bothering you. Surgery should address something you notice and want changed.
2. There has to be something to fix. I need a goal in mind, and I need something I can actually correct surgically.

A Facelift Is All About the Jawline

When it comes to a facelift, the focus is really your jawline. If you don’t have any hint of jowling yet, and no fullness in the neck or anything else to address, what would I be accomplishing? I can’t lift for no reason.

When the Time Is Right

Once you start seeing jowls, and they nag at you every day, that’s a great time to come in. At that point there’s something real to fix, and we can do something about it.

Don’t Operate Early to “Prevent” Aging

Please don’t assume you need to have surgery at a younger age to stop jowls from forming. I don’t think that’s a smart or good approach, and there’s no data to support it. I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my patients.

Consider the Risks First

Any surgery carries risk, and that should be the first thing you think about. Taking on those risks to prevent a problem you don’t have yet is not a trade I’d advise.

The Takeaway

Wait until something bothers you. When jowls or neck changes start to nag at you, come in for an evaluation, and we can talk about what will actually help.

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