Facelift at 40? Why People are Choosing Surgery Sooner

Yes, this is 100% a real trend.

Historically, the average facelift patient was in their late 50s or early 60s. But in the last 20 years, that number has steadily dropped. Today, the average age of a facelift patient is in the late 40s—and we’re seeing a huge uptick in inquiries from women in their 30s and early 40s.

So, what’s driving this?

01.
Non-Surgical Treatments Are Losing Their Appeal

For years, injectables, threads, and non-surgical skin-tightening treatments were marketed as alternatives to surgery.

But now, people are realizing the harsh truth—they simply don’t work for true laxity. In fact, overuse of fillers can actually distort the face and accelerate aging.

For the first time in decades, the non-surgical aesthetics industry is slowing down. Patients are getting frustrated with the lack of real results and are turning to surgeons like me for a permanent solution.

02.
Women Want to Stay Ahead of Aging

The biggest reason younger patients are considering facelifts? Prevention.

Aging starts earlier than most people realize. Around perimenopause (late 40s), the skin starts to lose collagen at an accelerated rate. Instead of waiting until they have severe laxity, many women want to address the early signs of aging before things get worse.

And here’s the thing—this strategy works. A properly performed facelift can permanently slow down the rate of aging, meaning you’ll always look younger than your actual age.

That said, just because someone wants a facelift doesn’t mean they should get one.

As someone who exclusively performs facelifts, I have a unique window into patient trends.

My team and I track every inquiry that comes into my practice, and over the last few years, we’ve seen a major shift.

• During and after COVID, facelift demand exploded.
• Now, about a third of our inquiries come from women in their 30s and early 40s.
• But here’s the catch—less than 10% of them are actually candidates.

That means most younger patients who inquire about a facelift don’t actually need one yet. And in my practice, I’m extremely selective. I turn away far more patients than I accept, because the key to a successful facelift is timing.

So, let’s talk about that—how do you know when you’re actually ready?

This is where my approach differs from most surgeons.

I don’t base facelift candidacy on age. Instead, I look at aging momentum—a term I use to describe the rate at which someone is actively aging.

Here’s how to know if you’re ready:

• You’re noticing consistent changes in your face every 6-12 months.
• You have true skin laxity, not just mild volume loss.
• You’re genetically predisposed to early aging and already look older than your actual age.
• You want long-term correction, not just a quick fix.

On the other hand…

• If you just have a small fold or minor laxity, surgery isn’t the right move.
• If you’re in your 30s and you’re not seeing progressive signs of aging, it’s too soon.
• If you’re considering a mini-lift to “get ahead” of aging—don’t do it. Mini-lifts don’t stop aging momentum, and you’ll just need another surgery sooner.
  
  

I get it—if you’re frustrated with non-surgical treatments and want real, lasting results, surgery seems like the obvious answer. And if you’re a true candidate, a facelift can absolutely be a game-changer.

But here’s my biggest piece of advice: Don’t rush into surgery just because it’s trending.

If you’re not a candidate yet, focus on other powerful anti-aging strategies like:

• Medical-grade Skincare: I created the KaramMD Trifecta for exactly this reason. If your skin isn’t healthy, no surgery will make it look young.
• Sun protection: 90% of visible aging comes from sun damage. Daily SPF is non-negotiable.
• Fat transfer or conservative fillers: If you have early volume loss, subtle fat transfer or fillers (done correctly) can be a great option.
• Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery): If your upper or lower eyelids are sagging, this is often the first surgical procedure people need in their 40s.
  

If you’re not sure if you’re ready, take a deep breath. You’ll know when the time is right.

One thing I always say: When true aging momentum starts, you’ll feel it. You’ll see yourself changing faster than before, and at that point, a facelift can be a life-changing decision.

At the end of the day, a facelift is not about age—it’s about the right timing.

If you’re experiencing true skin laxity and progressive aging, then yes, surgery can absolutely be the best solution.

But if you’re just starting to see minor changes, it’s better to focus on prevention and wait until your aging momentum truly kicks in.

As a surgeon who’s performed thousands of facelifts, I’m incredibly selective with my patients. My goal isn’t just to do more facelifts—it’s to help you make the best decision for your face, your future, and your confidence.