Am I Too Young (or Too Old) for a Facelift?

In Birmingham, AL

By Blake Raggio MD

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Published on October 2025

Am I Too Young (or Too Old) for a Facelift?

Wondering if you’re the “right” age for a facelift? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Raggio MD Facial Plastic Surgery is: “Am I too young… or too old… for a facelift?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Instead, the ideal timing for facial rejuvenation depends on a blend of anatomical changes, aesthetic goals, and personal readiness—not just your birth year.

In this blog, Dr. Blake Raggio, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and creator of the PreservaLift™, unpacks the nuances of age and candidacy for facelift and neck lift surgery. Whether you’re in your 40s or well into your 70s, this guide will help you understand your options—and why Raggio MD is uniquely equipped to deliver natural, transformative results at any age.

1. Is There a “Best” Age for a Facelift?

Not exactly—but there is a best time in terms of facial anatomy and aging changes.

While many people associate facelifts with older adults, early intervention in your 40s or 50s can often yield the most natural, long-lasting results. Why? Because your skin still has some elasticity, your tissue layers haven’t deteriorated significantly, and you often require less invasive work to achieve a refined, refreshed look. This is often referred to as a “prejuvenation” facelift—addressing sagging before it becomes severe.

On the other hand, patients in their 60s and beyond can still be excellent candidates, especially with modern techniques like Dr. Raggio’s deep-plane facelift and neck lift, which restore underlying structure rather than just pulling skin. At Raggio MD, we regularly see patients well into their 70s enjoy transformative outcomes.

3 Months Post-Op Preservation Extended Deep Plane Facelift/ Neck lift, Brow Reset, CO2 Laser Resurfacing

2. Am I Too Young for a Facelift?

If you’re in your late 30s or 40s and noticing early jowling, neck laxity, or deepening nasolabial folds, you might be wondering: “Isn’t it too soon?” In truth, you may be the ideal candidate.

Here’s why:

  • Better skin elasticity = better lift and longevity

  • Less tissue descent = smaller corrections with more natural outcomes

  • Preventative effect = can delay or even avoid more extensive surgery later

Many of our patients in this age range opt for Dr. Raggio’s PreservaLift™—a minimally invasive deep-plane facelift and necklift designed to lift, fill, and refresh with an ultra-natural, elegant result. It’s especially beneficial for those in high-visibility careers or social circles who want to remain subtly timeless, not dramatically altered.

3. Am I Too Old for a Facelift?

This is a question we hear often, especially from patients in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s. The short answer: Absolutely not—if you’re healthy and realistic.

At Raggio MD, we evaluate every patient individually. What matters more than your age is:

  • Your overall health and medical clearance

  • The elasticity and condition of your skin

  • The structure of your face and neck

  • Your goals and expectations

With our advanced anesthesia protocols (like TIVA, not general gas-based anesthesia), in-house preoperative medical clearance, and enhanced recovery techniques (like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and PRF), we routinely help older patients enjoy safe procedures and stunning outcomes.

Pro tip: Many older patients also benefit from combining facelift and neck lift surgery with skin rejuvenation procedures like CO2 laser resurfacing, fat grafting, and blepharoplasty for a full facial transformation.

4. What If I’m Not Ready for Surgery Yet?

That’s okay. At Raggio MD, we offer a full spectrum of non-surgical facial rejuvenation options to help you look refreshed until the time is right for surgery:

RF Microneedling and CO2 Laser for collagen induction and skin tightening

Dermal Fillers

These options can work well for patients in their 30s to early 40s who are just beginning to see signs of aging—or for anyone not quite ready for a surgical commitment.

5. Why Age Isn’t the Most Important Factor—Experience Is

Whether you’re 42 or 72, who performs your facelift matters more than when you have it. At Raggio MD, every surgical detail is tailored with precision, safety, and artistry:

  • Double board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and Head & Neck Surgery

  • Trained in deep-plane facelift techniques during fellowship—and has performed them exclusively ever since, continually refining his approach

  • 100% of surgeries are performed start-to-finish by Dr. Raggio

  • Boutique experience with private surgical suite, 1-on-1 recovery, and luxury-level care

Your face deserves more than “just a lift.” It deserves mastery.

6. So… Am I the Right Age for a Facelift?

Here’s the bottom line: If you’re starting to feel like your face doesn’t reflect the vitality you feel inside, it may be the right time to talk. The decision isn’t based on a number—it’s based on your goals, your anatomy, and your readiness for lasting change.

Whether you’re in your 40s and just starting to see early aging, or you’re in your 60s or beyond and ready for meaningful transformation, Dr. Raggio will provide expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Raggio Facial Plastic Surgery Rhinoplasty Before and After Results | Birmingham, AL

Begin Your Journey at Raggio MD

Ready to discover whether a facelift or neck lift is right for you—at your age, on your terms? Schedule a private consultation with Dr. Raggio at Raggio MD in Birmingham, Alabama, and let us help you define your most confident, rejuvenated self. Schedule a consultation today.

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Patient reviews

  • Torrey

    5 Star Review

    I am a week post-op from my cosmetic rhinoplasty with Dr. Blake Raggio, a Facial Plastic Surgeon here in Birmingham, Alabama. I just had my cast removed today and I could not be happier with my results already!

  • Jessica

    5 Star Review

    Thank you, Dr. Blake Raggio, for the excellent work on my nose. The Rhinoplasty to correct the deviated septum and nostril closure went so smoothly. My breathing has improved and the before and after pictures were amazing. Your knowledge and skills improved my health and facial profile.

  • Pamela

    5 Star Review

    Dr. Blake Raggio is an amazing Facial Plastic Surgeon. I am one week out from having my
    Blepharoplasty and Browlift and could not be more pleased. Not only is he a talented Facial Plastic Surgeon he also has a wonderful bedside manner.

  • Elizabeth

    5 Star Review

    Dr. Raggio and staff get an A+ for their superb care! From the time you walk in the door to the time you leave, you will be treated like family! Best of all you’ll leave looking younger and feeling good! You can’t beat the care and compassion from Dr Raggio and his staff!

  • Chelsea

    5 Star Review

    Dr. Raggio is the absolute best! He listens and is very precise with his injections. I am extremely happy with the results I have gotten with him. He does not push any services on you, either. I have uploaded two pictures to show the difference. I get Botox and lip filler.

  • Sheila

    5 Star Review

    I went to Dr Reggio for my eyelids. They were folding over. I was scared to have the surgery but the right eye was bothering me. So I decided to have the surgery and this Doctor is such a delight and kind-hearted. I am very, very happy with the way my surgery turned out. I would highly recommend Dr. Raggio to anyone!

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