Surge in Popularity of Facelifts Shown by Data

A surge in the number of plastic surgeons offering and performing facelifts has been recorded, with the American Association of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reporting that 90 percent of their members are providing these services every year. The volume of these procedures has risen by an impressive 60 percent since 2017, showing a remarkable trend in the popularity of facelifts. So, why has the facelift become such a highly sought-after procedure?

Industry experts believe the prominence of facelifts is attributed to a range of factors. One major reason is the evolving surgical techniques, with surgeons continuously improving traditional methods to yield superior results. Coupled with an increasing interest from youthful patients, these are leading to an average annual performance of 48 complete or partial facelifts by facial plastic surgeons.

The facelift's popularity is in part due to the procedure becoming much less invasive than it once was. Earlier facelifts had extended post-operative downtime and noticeable scarring, but the advent of new techniques and innovations has made the surgery less invasive and more discreet than ever.

“The American Board of Plastic Surgeons and the American Aesthetic Society have introduced several advancements in facelifts,” says Robert Singer, MD, a plastic surgeon from San Diego, CA. “We now focus on enhancing the natural look of the face, rather than altering it entirely.”

For those considering a facelift, it’s critical to evaluate not only the skill of the surgeon but also their ability to customize a procedure to suit your individual needs.

“Many surgeons specialize in performing one specific kind of facelift,” states Dr. Singer. “This may not be suitable or ideal for all patients. It’s important to have a surgeon who can create a unique plan for you. The quality of a facelift is reliant on the surgeon’s artistry.”

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD, a plastic surgeon based in Campbell, CA, points out that the evolution of facelift techniques and plastic surgery innovations have resulted in a rise in minimally invasive procedures. "I mostly perform a minimal access cranial suspension, or a MACS lift, which has proven to be an exceptional procedure,” he explains.

Ozan Sozer, MD, a plastic surgeon from El Paso, TX, mentions that innovation can result in the creation of entirely unique techniques. “I have invented facelift procedures that leave no visible scars, provided the patient is young enough,” says Dr. Sozer.

Kathleen Behr, MD, a dermatologist from Fresno, CA, feels that these new developments have been propelled by increased interest among young patients. “The concept of prejuvenation and preventive aging has spiked, particularly amongst the younger generation,” she explains. “They are determined to prevent the formation of wrinkles.”

These improved outcomes are attracting younger patients keen on cosmetic enhancements, thus further increasing the demand for facelifts.

“At my practice, we have seen an uptick in younger patients opting for more invasive surgeries,” says Kamakshi R. Zeidler, MD, a plastic surgeon from Campbell, CA. “They are looking to invest in a procedure that yields desirable results and is more sustainable over time compared to noninvasive techniques.”

“Twenty years ago, the average age of a facelift patient was in their 60s. Nowadays, they are in their 40s and 50s,” notes Dr. Singer.

The long-term results of having a facelift in the late 30s or early 40s, however, are still up for debate.

“After 45 years of practice, I have observed that patients who have had a facelift in their early 40s look better at 60 than those who have never had one,” says Dr. Berkowitz. “Though after a couple of decades, they may require a second facelift and volume restoration to improve those results.”