In recent years, a notable trend has emerged among New Yorkers seeking to maintain a youthful appearance through multiple facelift procedures. Surgeons say that more patients are choosing second—and even third—facelifts. Famous facial plastic surgeons such as Dr. Sherell Aston and Dr. Babak Azizzadeh are at the helm, addressing this increased demand. Not surprisingly, many patients are overjoyed with their initial results and anxious to pursue additional improvements.
Dr. Sherell Aston has performed numerous facelifts on a broad range of clients, some of whom have undergone multiple procedures. One of those patients, Denise, first came to see Dr. Aston at the age of 42. At 54, Denise is getting ready for her third facelift. She looks back more than positively on her experiences and considers these procedures an important part of her self-care plan.
Denise’s story is not unique. The bottom line is that people in their 50s and 60s are on average spending more than ever and more than other age brackets on cosmetic procedures. Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon, has observed this increasing trend in his practice. He recently executed a second facelift for Linda Simmons, a 78-year-old attorney who had her first procedure at 61. Simmons describes her choice to get a second facelift as an upgrade, as in a car.
“I was thrilled the first time around and I decided, like with a computer system, it was time for an upgrade,” – Linda Simmons
The numbers behind facelift procedures tell a story of the trend’s expansion. Denise and Simmons’s decisions are not isolated. These new patients, as well as established patients such as 70-year-old Paula Labrecque and 64-year-old Paul Labrecque, are choosing for follow-up procedures. Paula’s first facelift was 13 years ago, and after a long period of consideration, she recently had a second procedure with Dr. Lyle Leipziger. Meanwhile, Paul is poised to undergo his second major political facelift this June.
According to Dr. Sean Alemi, an Upper East Side facial plastic surgeon, he’s seen a bump in the number of patients returning for secondary facelifts. Now he sees some of the same desire among concertgoers to feel as good as they look. As such, they are much more engaged in pursuits often associated with the younger set.
“Today people are skiing and golfing into their seventies and they want to look as good as they feel,” – Dr. Babak Azizzadeh
Surgeons express that repeated facelift procedures can be less complex than initial surgeries because returning patients typically understand what to expect. Dr. Azizzadeh wants to underscore one important thing. In fact, most of his facelift patients return for their second or third facelifts to maintain a natural, healthy appearance as opposed to an overly-done, decades younger appearance.
“I now have a significant number of patients who I have done three facelifts on,” – Dr. Babak Azizzadeh
Although the chase for second, third, even fourth facelifts is on the rise, the cost for such procedures can range greatly. Prices can vary from $25,000 to upward of $150,000, based on complexity and surgeon experience. This difference can have a major impact on patients’ choices as they consider the monetary cost versus the desire for aesthetic restoration.
The place of cosmetic surgery is ever-changing. Yet many surgeons remain hesitant to commit to a specific number of procedures per patient. Dr. Sean Alemi reminds us that there are patients who go through four or five facelifts. He hasn’t seen anyone go after a game-changing fourth procedure.
“I am seeing a lot of patients in their late 50s and early 60s [coming in] for second facelifts,” – Dr. Sean Alemi
This fad of exit in search of is really in vogue with New Yorkers. Medical experts preach the importance of highly skilled surgeons, noting the intricacy that comes with performing a range of procedures on a single individual.
“It’s no longer virgin anatomy, so the surgeon needs to have a high level of anatomic and facial nerve expertise,” – Dr. Babak Azizzadeh
The rising demand for facelift procedures among older adults illustrates how societal and cultural conceptions of aging and beauty standards are shifting. Never before have consumers focused on their health and beauty. That focus motivates them to seek out cosmetic improvements that fit their dynamic lifestyles.
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