Is your reflection telling a different story than you want it to? Maybe your features have changed in ways only you can see: a softer jawline, looser skin, and lines that weren’t there before. These are subtle signs, but they’re usually what spark the first question: Is it time for a facelift?

The truth is, it doesn’t matter how many candles you have on your cake. Everyone’s skin matures differently, and that’s exactly why the right time for a facelift depends entirely on you. Your skin, your lifestyle, and how you want to feel in your own body.

There’s no magic number
Some people start noticing changes in their 40s. Others don’t think about a facelift procedure until their 60s or beyond. Your skin’s aging timeline is unique to you and comes down to several key factors:

• Genetics and your family history of aging
• Sun exposure and UV damage accumulated over the years
• Weight fluctuations that stretch and contract the skin
• Stress levels and lifestyle habits
• Skincare routines and preventative treatments

For many people, the right time for a facelift is when non-surgical treatments like fillers or lasers stop delivering the results they’re chasing. Or when they’re ready for a transformation that lasts longer and looks more natural.

Knowing the signs
They differ from face to face, but here’s what you should look out for:

• Softening along the jawline or under the chin
• Deeper folds around the mouth or nose
• Drooping in the cheeks or mid-face
• Volume loss that makes the face appear tired

These shifts are completely normal and happen as collagen and elasticity decrease over time. It’s not a flaw; it’s just how skin ages.
A facelift works beneath the surface to reposition and refine these deeper layers. The goal isn’t to erase your features. It’s to restore and highlight the structure and definition that time is trying to dismantle.

One size does NOT fit all
The right facelift for you isn’t about following a template. It’s about addressing what’s bothering you most and matching the approach to your skin, your age, and your goals. Here’s how the options typically break down:

Mini facelift (30s–40s): Ideal for early signs of laxity or mild jowling. This less-invasive lift creates subtle tightening with minimal downtime.

Mid-face lift (40s–50s): Targets the cheeks and lower eyelid area, restoring contour and lift where volume has shifted.

Full facelift (50s–60s+): A comprehensive lift that refines the lower face and neck, defining the jawline and smoothing deeper folds.

Keep in mind, these are just general guidelines. Your skin quality and genetics play a much bigger role than the year on your ID.

Why do people start so early?
It’s simple: Skin that still has good elasticity tends to heal beautifully and hold its new shape longer. Which means, starting younger can mean smaller adjustments with longer lasting results. That said, there’s no expiration date on self-confidence. Many patients in their 60s and 70s enjoy transformative, natural outcomes too. This is a personal decision, so the most important factor is you feeling ready.

What does recovery ACTUALLY look like?
Facelift recovery is typically straightforward, but it does require a bit of patience. Most people describe it not as “downtime,” but more as a gradual process. One that’s manageable and, with the right care, easier than you might think.

Generally, here’s what you can expect:

• Days 1–7: Swelling and bruising are at their peak, then begin to subside. Any discomfort is usually mild and managed with medication.
• Days 7–10: Stitches are removed or dissolve, and you’ll start to notice the first glimpse of your new contours.
• Around 2 weeks: Many people feel ready to return to work or light activities.
• 3–4 weeks: Most of the swelling fades, and your results begin to look more natural and refined.
• 3 months and beyond: The skin and deeper tissues fully settle, revealing a smooth, lifted appearance that feels authentically you.

Recovery timelines vary from person to person, but you won’t be navigating it alone. Dr. Kashan and his team will be there every step of the way to ensure you’re healing comfortably and your results are progressing as they should.

Ready when you are
Every procedure in Dr. Kashan’s practice starts with a conversation. We take the time to understand your features, what’s bothering you, and what outcome would actually make a difference in how you see yourself.

If you’ve been thinking about this for a while, consider this your sign to explore the possibilities. And when you’re ready? We’ll be more than happy to walk you through your options—online, over the phone, or in person at our Long Island office.