Expectations for Facelift Surgery in Your 70s
Patients in their 70s can safely undergo facelift surgery with good outcomes when properly selected, though careful preoperative assessment is essential to minimize risks and complications.
Patient Selection and Preoperative Considerations
Medical Evaluation
- Age alone should not be a contraindication for facelift surgery 1
- Comprehensive assessment of:
Risk Factors to Consider
- Male gender (relative risk 3.9 for hematoma) 2
- BMI ≥25 (relative risk 2.8 for infection) 2
- Combined procedures increase complication risk (relative risk 3.5 for infection) 2
- Smoking status
- Diabetes
Expected Outcomes and Results
Safety Profile
- Overall complication rate is approximately 1.8% 2
- Most common complications:
- Hematoma (1.1%)
- Infection (0.3%)
- Cutaneous slough or necrosis (1%) 3
Aesthetic Results
- Natural, non-operated appearance can be achieved 4
- Results may include:
- Correction of jowls and neck laxity
- Repositioning of descended malar fat pads
- Reduction of facial wrinkles
- Restoration of more youthful facial contours
Patient Satisfaction
- Research shows that properly selected patients can achieve high satisfaction rates 5
- Satisfaction tends to be higher when:
- Expectations are realistic
- Patient understands the limitations of surgery
- Surgeon employs techniques appropriate for older facial anatomy
Special Considerations for 70+ Patients
Surgical Approach
- Less aggressive techniques may be preferable:
- SMAS plication rather than deep plane techniques 3
- Limited undermining to reduce healing time
- Consideration of mini-lift or modified approaches
Recovery Considerations
- Longer healing time may be required compared to younger patients
- Increased risk of bruising due to thinner skin and potential medication use (blood thinners)
- Careful postoperative monitoring is essential, particularly in the first 24-48 hours
Facility Selection
- High-volume centers with experience in geriatric patients are recommended 1
- Type of surgical facility impacts complication rates 2
Postoperative Care
- Early assessment and management by physicians with expertise in care of older patients 1
- Use of physiological track and trigger systems to alert to early signs of complications 1
- Proactive monitoring to prevent "failure to rescue" scenarios 1
Key Takeaways
- Chronological age alone should not determine candidacy for facelift surgery
- Patient selection should focus on physiological age, health status, and realistic expectations
- When performed by qualified surgeons on appropriate candidates, facelifts in the 70s can be safe with satisfying results
- The decision should be individualized based on comprehensive preoperative assessment rather than age alone