Top 5 Facial Rejuvenation Procedures to Get in Your 60s

Posted on August 6, 2024 | by Donald Conway

If you’re in your 60s, you are likely seeing signs of aging in your face. Deep lines, sagging skin, and drooping eyelids can make you feel self-conscious and appear older than you feel and it is natural to wonder what you might be able to do to address them. 

This post covers five cosmetic procedures that are proven to dial back the facial aging clock and restore a more youthful, healthy, and energetic appearance. You’ll find an overview of each procedure with links to more detailed information.

1. Facelift

What is a facelift?

A facelift, also called rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions facial tissue to create a more youthful appearance. It is designed to address sagging cheeks, excess skin at the jawline, and the fold of skin that can form between the corner of your mouth and your nose. 

The facelift procedure involves making small incisions near the earlobe that allow the surgeon to separate the skin from underlying tissue. After repositioning and sculpting that tissue to restore more youthful contours, the skin on each side of the face is pulled back and re-draped. Excess skin is removed and the incisions are closed up.

Why a Facelift Is Perfect for Your 60s

Facelifts are generally first recommended for patients in their 50s. As with many facial rejuvenation procedures, getting an earlier start yields better results for a few reasons: one, your skin will have more resilience, and, two, you can achieve more natural-looking results if you treat signs of aging earlier. The 60s are certainly not too late, however, and many patients find this a good age at which to address some of the more pronounced signs of aging.

There are many non-surgical procedures that can improve the more subtle signs of aging, but by your 60s you may be having concerns about sagging skin in your cheeks and jawline and more deep-set wrinkles. A facelift can give you dramatic results in addressing these issues and make you look years younger.

If you did already choose to get a facelift in your 50s or earlier, the 60s can be a great time for a secondary facelift, which can help maintain and extend the results from your earlier procedure.

Many facelift patients find their 60s a good age at which to address some of the more pronounced signs of aging.

Want to learn more about facelifts?

If you would like to learn more about facelift procedures, I invite you to read two other posts I’ve written where I answer questions asked by patients here in Asheville: 

• How Can I Get the Most Natural Facelift Results? Dr. Conway Answers Your Top 6 Questions
• What is the best age for a facelift? And other common questions about facelift surgery

2. Neck Lift

What is a neck lift?

It is not uncommon for patients I see to be happy with the appearance of their face but have complaints about sagging skin on their neck or around their jawline. A neck lift is a surgical procedure that addresses these problems and creates a more shapely neck and jaw.

While neck lifts are most often performed as part of a facelift procedure, you may choose to have a neck lift alone. As with a facelift, incisions are located behind the ear, and skin is lifted and repositioned. Excess skin is removed and the overall result is a neck that appears smoother and more youthful.

Why consider a neck lift in your 60s?

If you feel you aren’t ready for a full facelift but do have concerns about your neck, a neck lift might be the ideal choice. They are also a great way to improve your appearance with a somewhat less intensive procedure. 

You may also explore some non-surgical ways you can help keep your neck looking younger for longer. 

3. Eyelid Surgery

What is eyelid surgery?

The eyes are the main focal point of the face and have a big impact on how we appear to others. Surgery on the upper or lower eyelids — or both — is aimed at mitigating the signs of aging around the eyes to restore a more natural look to your whole face.

Upper eyelid surgery eliminates sagging and excess skin to give your eyelids definition and help you appear fresher and more alert. It can also benefit those whose range of vision is impaired by sagging skin around the eyes. 

Lower eyelid surgery targets sagging and puffiness under the eyes, which is caused by drooping skin or herniated fat.

Why consider eyelid surgery in your 60s?

The thin skin of our eyelids makes the eye area one of the first to be visibly affected by aging You may find that this has progressed to a point that your expression is affected. People might see you as being worried, upset, or tired all the time, even when this doesn’t reflect how you are feeling. Eyelid surgery can help correct this as well as significantly improve the overall youthfulness of your appearance. 

The benefits of eyelid surgery aren’t only aesthetic, however. For many people, by age 60, sagging eyelids impair their vision. Eyelid surgery can help make sure nothing is getting in the way of your sight.

Is eyelid surgery worth it?

You may be interested but wondering if this procedure really makes sense for you. It’s always a good idea to find out everything you can before deciding on a procedure. In another post, I answer the most common questions patients have about eyelid surgery. 

4. Brow Lift Surgery

What is brow lift surgery?

Sometimes also called an “eyebrow lift” or a “forehead lift”, this surgery repositions the tissue of the brow area to alleviate a heavy, drooping brow. There are a number of different ways to accomplish a brow lift, and which one is best for you will depend upon your anatomy, the extent of sagging to be corrected, and the results you would like to see. 

Why get a brow lift in your 60s?

The aging process naturally causes drooping in the muscle, skin, and connective tissue on the forehead, which can make you appear angry, tired, or frustrated. A brow lift lightens your face and makes you seem happier and more approachable. Reversing these signs of aging will also make you look significantly younger.

5. Laser Skin Resurfacing

What is laser skin resurfacing?

Laser skin resurfacing removes dull, damaged skin and stimulates its natural healing process to refresh and rejuvenate the skin’s surface. Laser resurfacing can help improve the texture, tone, and appearance of skin.

Why is laser skin resurfacing great for people in their 60s?

Laser treatments can be used to address a number of issues, and are a favorite method for mitigating skin flaws at almost any age. One of the effects of laser treatment that is especially helpful for those in their 60s is the stimulation of collagen production. 

According to a study published in the American Journal of Pathology, our skin naturally produces less collagen as we age, contributing to its loss of elasticity. A study in Lasers and Surgery in Medicine found that laser treatment is effective in stimulating collagen production, which helps our skin retain a younger and healthier appearance. (Here’s more about how skin changes as you age.)

One of the attractive features of laser treatments is that they are non-invasive and, depending upon the particular technique used, have a short recovery time. A skilled and experienced provider can ensure a safe treatment with minimal risk.

Learn more about these procedures at my Asheville plastic surgery clinic

Before I became a board-certified plastic surgeon in Asheville, I worked as a medical illustrator. This unusual background lets me combine a practiced, artistic eye with over 20 years of experience in plastic surgery to give my patients superior results.

If you are in the Asheville area and are considering any of these facial rejuvenation procedures, I invite you to contact me for a consultation. We will discuss your goals, concerns, and questions, and choose a treatment plan that best suits your needs. Call (828) 283-0385 or contact the practice online to schedule your personal consultation.