For decades, the facelift has been firmly entrenched in the public’s perception as a procedure reserved for those looking to combat the visible signs of aging. Industry data supports this long – held view. In the United States, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reveals that nearly 60% of facelift patients in 2023 fell within the age range of 55 to 69. Across the globe, similar trends are evident. In Australia, research from the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine indicates that Generation X, consisting of individuals aged 45 to 60, was the primary age group pursuing facelifts in the same year. Even in the United Kingdom, although specific average age data is lacking, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reports that the procedure is predominantly popular among those aged 50 and above.
However, a notable shift has emerged in recent years. An increasing number of younger individuals are now turning to facelift surgery, but with a different objective in mind. Growing up in a hyper – digital era where their physical appearances are constantly on display across various platforms, these young people are not seeking facelifts as an anti – aging measure. Instead, they aim to finesse their facial features. ASPS data highlights this trend, showing a significant 7% increase in the number of facelift patients aged between 20 – 29 and 30 – 39 in 2023 compared to the previous year. In contrast, the growth rate for the 40 – 54 age group was a more modest 3%.
Dr. Jonathan Zelken, a board – certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, California, who has extensive experience performing facelifts, has witnessed this change firsthand. In a phone interview with CNN, he shared that some of his clients in their 20s and 30s express a desire for “sharper jaw lines, sharper cheeks, sharper brows.” According to Dr. Zelken, their focus is not on eradicating wrinkles but rather on enhancing their existing appearance. He emphasized, “It’s not a rejuvenation strategy. It’s a beautification strategy,” underscoring the fundamental difference in the motivations driving this new wave of younger facelift patients.
