Am I a Good Candidate for a Facelift? | Schaffer Plastic Surgery

A doctor in gloves examines a patients face in a medical office.

A facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses sagging skin and loss of definition in the face and neck. Because it is a significant commitment, many patients spend months researching it, often comparing it with other non-surgical options before booking a consultation.

This guide is intended to help you think through whether a facelift may fit your goals. It covers what a facelift addresses, who tends to be a good fit and what happens during an evaluation with Dr. Christopher Schaffer in Birmingham.

What a Facelift Addresses

A facelift is designed to lift and reposition the deeper tissues of the face and remove excess skin. It is generally used to improve sagging along the jawline and neck, deep facial folds and loss of definition in the lower face. Facelift techniques vary, and the Schaffer Plastic Surgery team will work with you to determine which approach is right for you.

Keep in mind that the facelift does not address the forehead and brow area or under-eye concerns. Separate procedures are needed to improve those areas. If your concerns lie elsewhere, consider the Brow Lift or Eyelid Surgery procedures.

Signs You May Be a Good Candidate

The facelift may be right for you if:

You notice jowling or loose skin along your jawline.
You have loose skin or banding in your neck.
Your skin still has reasonable elasticity.
You are in good physical and emotional health.
You are a non-smoker, or willing to stop before surgery.
You are at a stable weight.
You have realistic expectations about what surgery can do.

When Timing Matters

Facial aging generally happens from the inside out, with changes in bone structure, muscle tone, fat distribution and skin. These changes can alter your appearance and how you feel about yourself.

Where you are in the facial aging process may help determine whether you’re a good candidate for a facelift. Younger patients may be better suited to non-surgical options first, and candidacy for older patients depends on general health and skin quality. Age alone is not used as a determining factor.

Facelift vs. Non-Surgical Alternatives

	Fillers/Botox®	Facelift
Treatment Depth	Addresses volume loss and dynamic lines	Addresses structural sagging and skin laxity
Results Timeline	Temporary, maintenance-based results	Longer-lasting structural correction
Best For	Early signs of aging and subtle refinement	Moderate-to-significant sagging, jawline and neck laxity

What to Expect at a Facelift Consultation with Dr. Schaffer

Your consultation with Dr. Schaffer is a safe space to discuss your concerns, share your goals and ask any questions you may have about the procedure. During this appointment, Dr. Schaffer will evaluate your skin quality, facial structure and health history. He takes a tailored approach, considering your anatomy and goals when creating a treatment plan. Dr. Schaffer sees one patient at a time, so your appointment stays focused on your questions. At the end of the consultation, he will walk you through his recommendations so you have what you need to decide on next steps.

Why Choose Dr. Schaffer for Your Facelift

Dr. Schaffer has been a board-certified plastic surgeon since 2003 and has more than 20 years of experience. He completed his residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and The Aesthetic Society (ASAPS). Procedures are performed in an AAAASF-certified surgical facility. Dr. Schaffer takes an individualized approach to every facelift, building each plan around the patient’s anatomy and goals to achieve natural-looking results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fillers are generally better suited to early volume loss and fine lines, while a facelift is designed to address moderate to significant sagging along the jawline and neck. Fillers usually cannot lift loose skin. During a consultation, Dr. Schaffer evaluates your skin quality and facial structure to help you understand which option may fit your goals.

Yes. A facelift is often combined with a neck lift because the two procedures address connected areas, which may help the jawline and neck look more balanced. Dr. Schaffer can discuss whether a combined approach makes sense for your anatomy.

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Patients generally rest with their heads elevated in the early days after surgery. Swelling and bruising are common at first and usually improve gradually as healing progresses. Dr. Schaffer provides individualized aftercare instructions and will review what to expect based on your procedure.

You may be a good candidate for a facelift if you have moderate to significant sagging along your jawline or neck, reasonable skin elasticity and good general health, you do not smoke or are willing to stop, and you have realistic expectations. Dr. Schaffer assesses each of these factors during your consultation.

Is the Facelift Right for You? Your Journey Starts With a Conversation With Dr. Schaffer

Your consultation is an opportunity to have an open and honest discussion with Dr. Schaffer. Arrive at your appointment ready to discuss your medical history and share your goals for the procedure. Bringing a photo of yourself from when you were younger can help Dr. Schaffer create a tailored surgical plan that emphasizes your natural facial features. During the consultation, Dr. Schaffer will review your options and recommend a plan based on your individual needs. Together, you will decide if the facelift is the right option for you.

Ready to discuss the facelift procedure? Schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Schaffer today.