This is Dr. Choi Jae Ik, a plastic surgery specialist at AB Plastic Surgery. In the past, anti-aging surgeries such as facelifts were primarily associated with individuals aged 40 and above. However, recently, we have noticed an increase in inquiries about facelift consultations from individuals in their 20s and 30s.

Today, we will explore which types of facelift procedures are most effective for each age group.

Q. Are there facelift procedures that are particularly effective for different age groups?
 

The facelift procedures that are particularly effective for individuals in their 20s and 30s include high-frequency laser treatments, fillers, and Botox injections.

In their 20s to 30s, individuals tend to be particularly sensitive about their appearance, as it's a time when they are most concerned with their looks. While the impact may vary depending on individual care, this age group typically experiences the onset of fine lines rather than deep wrinkles. Unlike those in their 40s, most individuals in their 20s to 30s have relatively good skin elasticity, making non-invasive procedures such as fillers, Botox, laser treatments, and high-frequency facelifts more preferable for addressing fine lines and maintaining facial contours. These procedures offer relatively affordable costs and quick recovery times, making them the most suitable facelift options for individuals in their 20s to 30s

For individuals in their 30s to 40s, effective facelift procedures include both non-invasive treatments similar to those recommended for individuals in their 20s to 30s, such as fillers and Botox, as well as surgical methods like thread lifting and mini facelifts.

Although there are individual differences, skin elasticity usually gradually decreases after the age of 30, and facial sagging begins to gradually appear compared to the age in the 20s. Depending on the degree of facial sagging, those with a small degree of facial sagging may be able to manage it with radiofrequency, laser, filler, or Botox. However, if the degree of sagging does not improve despite receiving non-invasive procedures such as these, thread lifting or minimally You can see a clear face lifting effect through surgical methods such as mini lifting, which is performed through incisions.

There are various types of threads used in thread lifting, and each method of procedure differs. Therefore, it is important to choose the right type of thread according to the individual's degree of skin aging. Mint thread lifting is effective for sagging cheeks and wrinkles, with the advantage of lasting for over 6 months. Elasticum thread lifting, on the other hand, has good elasticity, allowing it to stretch and contract freely with facial muscle movements, resulting in a natural look. Mono thread lifting stimulates the production of collagen, providing a skin tightening effect.

Mini facelifts, as mentioned earlier, are performed with minimal incisions, making them less burdensome in terms of scarring and swelling compared to traditional facelifts. Additionally, as aging progresses, not only the skin but also the thin fibrous layer located between the subcutaneous fat and muscle layer, known as the SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) layer, sags due to gravity. Mini facelifts effectively lift this SMAS layer, addressing concerns such as marionette lines, nasolabial folds, sagging cheeks, jowls, and a drooping jawline. Due to this approach, mini facelifts alone can effectively improve facial sagging and wrinkles.

For individuals aged 40 and above, we typically recommend surgical methods such as traditional facelifts or mini facelifts tailored to the degree of sagging, rather than non-invasive procedures.

As individuals aged 40 and above experience accelerated aging, the degree of facial sagging and wrinkles may vary depending on their level of care. For those whose aging process is not significantly advanced compared to their age, we recommend mini facelift surgery. However, for individuals with severe signs of aging such as pronounced skin sagging and deep wrinkles, we recommend traditional facelift surgery for more pronounced improvement.

Facelift surgery involves making incisions starting from inside the hairline near the temples, extending along the boundary to behind the ear. Through these incisions, the stretched muscle layer (SMAS) is firmly pulled and fixed, excess skin is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened with double sutures, resulting in an overall lifting of the facial skin. As the incision area is broader compared to mini facelifts, many individual express concerns about scarring and ear deformity (pixie ear) during consultations. However, since the incision follows the hairline from inside the temples, any scars are not prominently visible, and with precise handling of the SMAS layer and ligaments, ear deformity and scarring are not major concerns. With this surgical method, along with consistent maintenance through lasers, fillers, and Botox after improvement, I believe individuals can maintain a youthful appearance for a long time.

Many individuals come for consultations and contemplate facelifts after seeing others' results, such as someone looking 10 years younger after a procedure. However, it's crucial to recognize that the most important aspect is assessing one's current condition. Simply diagnosing oneself by saying, "My face seems to sag more compared to when I was in my 20s" or "My facial wrinkles are more pronounced" is not sufficient to conclude that a facelift surgery is necessary. Instead, I encourage individuals to visit a nearby plastic surgery clinic for a thorough consultation and examination with a plastic surgery specialist. Through this process, you can determine whether surgical intervention is necessary or if improvement can be achieved through non-surgical procedures alone. It's essential to plan a procedure that is suitable for you based on your individual needs and circumstances.

If you have any further questions about face lifting, please call 010-4393-1298 or contact AB Plastic Surgery on WhatsApp using the same number above, for more detailed consultation.

Writer.Writer.Plastic Surgery Specialist Dr. Choi Jae Ik