Facial aging is a gradual process — one day you may notice deeper smile lines, a softer jawline, or skin that no longer bounces back the way it once did. While skincare and non-surgical treatments can help maintain your appearance, there often comes a point where they no longer deliver the lift or definition you want. That’s when a facelift can become an option worth exploring.
As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Shari Reitzen has spent years helping patients in New York’s Upper East Side choose the right approach for their unique needs. Her goal is not simply to make you look younger, but to help you look like the most confident, refreshed version of yourself.
When Is the “Right Time” for a Facelift?
There’s no universal age for a facelift — it’s more about changes in your skin, muscles, and facial structure than your birthday. Patients often start considering surgery when they notice:
- Persistent jowls despite fillers or skin tightening treatments
- Skin laxity that can’t be disguised with makeup or minimally invasive options
- A disconnect between how youthful they feel and how they appear in photos or mirrors
For some, this happens in their late 40s or 50s; for others, earlier or later. The most important factor is whether your facial changes are starting to affect your confidence.
Facelift or Non-Surgical Options?
Modern non-surgical treatments — such as dermal fillers, skin tightening devices, and thread lifts — can be an excellent first step for mild to moderate signs of aging. They require little downtime and can offer subtle improvements.
However, if your concerns include significant sagging, deeper folds, or a loss of definition along the jaw and neck, a facelift offers results that non-surgical methods simply can’t match. Many patients actually use non-surgical treatments as a bridge — helping them maintain their appearance until they’re ready for surgery.
Why the Surgeon’s Approach Matters
A facelift is not just about tightening skin — it’s about restoring balance and harmony to your features. Dr. Reitzen uses advanced techniques to reposition the deeper facial layers, allowing for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation without a “pulled” or artificial look. She customizes her surgical plan to your facial structure, skin type, and desired outcome, ensuring that your results reflect you — just more refreshed.
Her meticulous technique also means her patients typically experience smoother recoveries and results that age gracefully over time.
Combining a Facelift with Other Enhancements
While a facelift focuses on the mid to lower face, pairing it with other procedures can create a more comprehensive transformation. Common combinations include:
- Eyelid surgery to open and brighten the eyes
- Neck lift to smooth and refine the jawline-to-neck transition
- Fat grafting to restore youthful facial volume
This approach allows patients to address multiple concerns in one surgical plan, maximizing both results and recovery time.
Making Your Decision
Choosing to have a facelift is a personal decision, and there’s no single path that’s right for everyone. Some patients prefer to start with subtle, non-surgical treatments; others opt for surgery sooner to enjoy long-lasting improvements.
A consultation with Dr. Reitzen provides the clarity you need. She’ll evaluate your facial anatomy, listen to your goals, and recommend a treatment plan tailored just for you — whether that includes surgery now, later, or not at all.
The Takeaway
A facelift is more than a procedure — it’s an investment in how you feel about yourself every day. By choosing a skilled, experienced surgeon who understands both the art and science of facial rejuvenation, you can achieve results that look natural, balanced, and timeless.
If you’re beginning to notice changes that make you feel less like yourself, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Shari Reitzen to explore your options and take the next step toward feeling truly confident in your appearance.