Facelifts are surrounded by more myths than nearly any other cosmetic procedure—stories about who should get one, what they can achieve, and what recovery is really like. At Sanctuary Plastic Surgery in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons have performed thousands of facelifts and revision facelifts, combining advanced techniques with an accredited, state-of-the-art surgical facility to deliver natural, elegant “results from every angle.”

Because we see firsthand how misinformation can create anxiety or delay treatment, we believe patients deserve clarity grounded in expertise—not internet rumors. If you’ve been considering a facelift and want to separate fact from fiction, this guide will help you make confident, informed decisions.

Myth #1: “Facelifts are only for people in their 60s or 70s.”

Fact: It’s about anatomy and goals, not a magic age.

There is no “right” age for a facelift. Most patients fall within their 40s, 50s, or 60s, but healthy individuals who are younger or older can also be good candidates, depending on skin elasticity, facial structure, and overall health.

What matters more than age:

Noticeable jowls or loss of jawline definition
Laxity in the lower face and neck that no longer responds to non-surgical options
Good general health and realistic expectations

Sanctuary tailors every facelift plan to the stage of aging a patient is experiencing, from subtle early changes to more significant laxity. We routinely and safely treat patients in their 70s and beyond when they’re appropriate candidates. During your consultation, we’ll be completely transparent about what will serve you best, whether that’s non-surgical rejuvenation, a more limited lift, or a full facelift. And if surgery is not yet necessary, we’ll guide you toward options that offer better value and results tailored to your current needs.

Myth #2: “I’ll look pulled or fake.”

Fact: Modern facelifts are designed to look natural, not “done.”

Older techniques often focused primarily on tightening the skin, which could result in an over-pulled, wind-tunnel-like appearance. Today, high-quality facelifts concentrate on lifting and repositioning the deeper support layer of the face (the SMAS and related tissues), then gently redraping the skin without tension.

Here’s how we protect a natural look at Sanctuary:

Our surgeons typically tighten the muscular and fascial layers, not just the skin, which helps avoid the “pulled” appearance and improves longevity
We treat the lower face and neck together when needed, so your results look balanced, not like your cheeks and jaw don’t match
Because every face ages differently, we design your lift for your bone structure, skin quality, and personal aesthetic, rather than relying on one trademarked, one-size-fits-all operation
In some cases, adding eyelid surgery, a brow lift, fat grafting, or laser resurfacing creates a more seamless result than over-tightening one area alone

Myth #3: “Injectables or devices can replace a facelift.”

Fact: Non-surgical treatments are powerful tools, but they can’t do what surgery does.

Fillers, neuromodulators, and energy-based devices (like ultrasound or radiofrequency) can:

Gently lift or firm mild to moderate sagging
Soften dynamic wrinkles (like frown lines)
Improve texture, tone, and pigmentation

However, there is no true non-surgical equivalent to a facelift for more advanced laxity, jowls, and neck banding.

What You Can Honestly Expect from a Facelift at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery

When you come to us for a facelift consultation, your experience is designed to be thorough and personal. We offer:

Comprehensive evaluation: We evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, neck, and overall health, and review your prior procedures (if any), including previous facelifts that may need revision.
Concierge-style care: For our many traveling patients, we help coordinate lodging, transportation, and postoperative nursing—so your experience is as stress-free as possible while you heal in Boca Raton’s resort-like surroundings.
Long-term partnership: After your facelift, we’ll guide you through maintenance strategies, including sun protection, medical-grade skincare, and, when necessary, lasers or injectables to help you protect your investment.

We’ve built our practice—and our reputation—around facelifts and complex revision work, all within a tranquil, accredited facility designed to be your sanctuary for beauty and confidence. If you’re ready to move beyond myths and truly understand what a facelift could do for you, we invite you to meet with us. Schedule a private consultation today.

Facelift Myths vs Facts: Knowing What to Expect