70-Year-Old Facelift: A Journey Through Time
- Dr. Jose Soler-Baillo

- Jul 9
- 13 min read
Why 70-Year-Old Facelift Results Are So Remarkable

Facelift before and after 70 year old photos reveal dramatic changes that many people don't expect at this age. The results consistently show restored jawline definition, smoother neck contours, and a more youthful appearance that matches how patients feel inside.
Key Results from 70-Year-Old Facelift Photos:
Jawline Definition: Elimination of sagging jowls and restored facial contours
Neck Rejuvenation: Removal of heavy platysmal bands and excess skin
Natural Appearance: Subtle, age-appropriate improvement without an "overdone" look
Dramatic Improvement: Patients often look 8-10 years younger while maintaining their unique features
Recovery Timeline: Most patients are socially presentable within 2-3 weeks
Research shows that patients in their 70s can achieve excellent facelift results when they're in good health. A 70-year-old patient who underwent a facelift and neck lift with jowl liposculpting showed "dramatic improvement in neck and jawline definition, resulting in a natural, more youthful appearance."
The photos consistently demonstrate that age alone doesn't determine surgical candidacy. What matters most is overall health, realistic expectations, and choosing the right surgical approach for mature skin.
As Dr. Jose Soler-Baillo, M.D. M.S, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in facial rejuvenation, I've helped countless patients achieve natural-looking results that restore their confidence. My experience with facelift before and after 70 year old cases has shown me that the right technique can deliver remarkable changes at any age.

Why Consider a Facelift at 70?
Here's something that might surprise you: 70 is absolutely not too old for a facelift. In fact, some of our most satisfied patients are septuagenarians who decided to take control of their appearance and boost their confidence.
The truth is, many people in their 70s are more active and vibrant than ever before. They're traveling, volunteering, spending time with grandchildren, and living life to the fullest. But when they look in the mirror, they don't see someone who matches their energy and enthusiasm.
One of my 70-year-old patients put it perfectly: "I didn't feel like the face I saw in the mirror accurately reflected how youthful I felt inside." This disconnect between inner vitality and outer appearance is incredibly common among our mature patients.
What brings most 70-year-olds to consider a facelift? The most common concerns include heavy jowls that blur the jawline, severe neck sagging with prominent bands, deep lines around the mouth, and overall skin laxity that doesn't respond to creams or non-surgical treatments.
The good news is that scientific research on facelift safety in seniors shows that age alone isn't a reason to avoid surgery. What matters most is your overall health, realistic expectations, and choosing an experienced surgeon who understands the unique needs of mature patients.
Facelift before and after 70 year old results consistently show that the right surgical approach can deliver remarkable, natural-looking improvements that take years off your appearance while maintaining your unique character.
Typical Goals & Motivations
The motivations I hear from 70-year-old patients are refreshingly honest and relatable. They want to match their outer appearance with their inner vitality. They're tired of avoiding cameras or feeling self-conscious in social situations.
Unlike younger patients who might want dramatic changes, septuagenarians typically seek natural improvements. They understand the goal isn't to look 30 again – it's to look like the best, most refreshed version of themselves.
Social engagement plays a huge role in their decision. Many patients tell me they're more active in retirement than they were in their 50s. They're attending weddings, taking dream vacations, and participating in community activities. They want to feel confident in photos with their children and grandchildren.
Candidacy Checklist
Before any surgical procedure at 70, we conduct a thorough evaluation that goes well beyond typical cosmetic surgery screening. Overall health is our top priority, which is why we require cardiovascular clearance and a comprehensive review of all medications and supplements.
Medication review is particularly important for mature patients. Some blood thinners, supplements, and chronic disease medications can affect healing and surgical outcomes. We work closely with your primary care physician to ensure everything is optimized.
Realistic expectations are crucial for satisfaction. The best candidates understand that while results can be dramatic, the goal is natural rejuvenation rather than a complete change. They're committed to the recovery process and have strong support systems at home.
Facelift Before and After 70 Year Old: What the Photos Show
When I sit down with patients to review facelift before and after 70 year old photos, there's often a moment of quiet amazement. These images don't just show surgical results—they tell stories of people who decided to accept their vitality at an age when many assume it's "too late."
The change in these photos consistently shows several remarkable changes. Jawline definition returns as heavy jowls disappear, revealing the strong bone structure that time had hidden. The neck area shows perhaps the most dramatic improvement—those prominent bands and excess skin give way to a smooth, neat neckline that matches the patient's inner confidence.
What strikes me most about these results is how natural they look. We're not trying to make someone look 30 again. Instead, we're revealing the best version of who they are right now. The skin texture improves dramatically as we redrape it properly, but the character lines and wisdom that make each face unique remain intact.
I remember one patient who brought her "before" photo to her six-month follow-up. She looked at it and said, "I forgot how tired I looked all the time." That's the real magic we see in these photos—not just younger-looking skin, but the return of energy and vitality to the face.
Facelift Before and After 70 Year Old—Lower Face & Neck Focus
The lower face and neck region is where we see the most dramatic changes in septuagenarian patients. This makes perfect sense when you think about it—gravity has been working on these areas for decades, and the results are often what bothers patients most when they look in the mirror.
When we focus on the lower face and neck in facelift before and after 70 year old photos, the improvements are truly striking. Sagging jowls that had completely obscured the natural jawline are eliminated through careful liposculpting and tissue repositioning. The result is a clean, defined jaw that can take a full decade off someone's appearance.
Platysmaplasty—the technical term for fixing those prominent neck bands—creates some of the most satisfying results. These bands, which give the "turkey neck" appearance, are tightened and repositioned to create a smooth, youthful neck contour. Combined with the removal of excess skin, the change can be remarkable.
Our Facelift Gallery includes several examples of these focused lower face and neck improvements. One case that particularly stands out involved a 70-year-old grandmother who wanted to feel confident in her daughter's wedding photos. The before images showed severe jowling and neck sagging that made her look much older than her vibrant personality suggested.
Three months after her procedure, she had a beautifully defined jawline and neat neck that perfectly matched her energy level. She later told me the wedding photos were everything she'd hoped for—she looked like herself, just refreshed and renewed.
Facelift Before and After 70 Year Old—Full Facial Rejuvenation
While lower face improvements are often the most dramatic, many of my 70-year-old patients benefit from a more comprehensive approach that addresses the entire face as a harmonious unit.

Deep plane technique is often my preferred approach for comprehensive facial rejuvenation in septuagenarian patients. This method repositions the deeper facial structures rather than just pulling skin tight, creating results that look natural and last longer. The photos from these procedures show remarkable improvements that maintain facial harmony.
Fat grafting plays a crucial role in full facial rejuvenation for this age group. Over the decades, we lose volume in key areas like the cheeks, temples, and around the eyes. By strategically replacing this volume with the patient's own fat, we restore the youthful fullness that makes such a difference in overall appearance.
Many patients choose to combine their facelift with an eyelid lift or brow lift to create truly comprehensive results. When I show before and after photos of these combined procedures, patients often say the person in the "after" photo looks like they remember themselves looking years ago.
The results of comprehensive facial rejuvenation in septuagenarian patients can be truly transformative. I've seen patients who look 10 to 15 years younger while still looking completely like themselves. The key is understanding that we're not changing who they are—we're simply helping them look as vibrant as they feel inside.
Surgical Options & Combination Procedures
When I meet with patients in their 70s, one of the first questions they ask is: "What type of surgery will give me the best results?" The answer depends on your unique anatomy, your specific concerns, and what you hope to achieve with your facelift before and after 70 year old change.
At 70, most patients benefit from a comprehensive approach rather than a "one-size-fits-all" solution. Your face has experienced decades of changes, and addressing them effectively often requires combining different techniques to create harmonious, natural-looking results.
Deep plane facelift is often my technique of choice for patients with significant facial aging. This approach goes deeper than traditional facelifts, repositioning the underlying facial structures for results that can last 10-15 years. It's particularly effective for addressing the heavy jowls and neck sagging that concern most septuagenarians.
The SMAS facelift targets the muscle layer beneath your skin, providing excellent results with a somewhat shorter recovery than deep plane surgery. This technique works well for patients who want substantial improvement but prefer a less extensive procedure.
For patients with milder aging or those who want a gentler approach, a mini facelift can provide meaningful improvements. However, I'm always honest with my patients—at 70, the results may not be as dramatic or long-lasting as you might hope.
Neck lift surgery is almost always part of the conversation for septuagenarian patients. The neck often shows the most dramatic signs of aging, with prominent platysmal bands and excess skin that can add years to your appearance.
Many of my 70-year-old patients choose to combine their facelift with additional procedures for complete facial harmony. Upper and lower blepharoplasty addresses drooping eyelids that can make you look tired. Brow lift opens up the eye area for a more alert appearance. Fat grafting restores volume to areas like the cheeks and temples.
More info about recovery provides detailed information about what to expect during your healing journey.
Deep Plane vs. Mini Facelift
Choosing between deep plane and mini facelift is one of the most important decisions we'll make together. I like to think of it as choosing between a complete home renovation versus a beautiful refresh.
Deep plane facelift is like that complete renovation. It addresses the structural changes that happen with advanced aging, repositioning the deeper facial tissues for results that can last 10-15 years. The recovery is longer—about 3-4 weeks until you're feeling social again—but the change is typically more dramatic and longer-lasting.
This technique is particularly effective for patients with significant jowling, deep nasolabial folds, and substantial neck sagging. Most of my 70-year-old patients find that deep plane surgery gives them the comprehensive improvement they're looking for.
Mini facelift is more like that beautiful refresh. It's a shorter procedure with quicker recovery, but the results are more subtle. While some patients love the gentler approach, others find they need additional procedures sooner.
For most facelift before and after 70 year old cases, I recommend the deep plane technique because it addresses the significant structural changes that occur with advanced aging.
Add-On Improvements for Septuagenarians
Eyelid surgery is incredibly popular with my 70-year-old patients. Heavy, drooping upper lids can make you look tired even when you feel energetic. When combined with your facelift, the results create a refreshed, alert appearance.
Brow lift works beautifully with facelift surgery. A drooping brow can overshadow even the best facelift results. By lifting and repositioning the brow, we open up your entire eye area for a more youthful look.
CO₂ laser resurfacing improves skin quality in ways that surgery alone cannot. This treatment addresses fine lines, age spots, and texture issues, giving you smoother, more radiant skin.
More info about deep plane facelift explains how this advanced technique can transform your appearance while maintaining your natural expressions.
Recovery, Risks & Expectations After 70
Recovery from facelift surgery at 70 requires patience and special care, but the results are absolutely worth the journey. While your body may take a little longer to heal than it did in your younger years, healthy septuagenarians typically experience smooth recoveries with excellent outcomes.

The first week after surgery is when you'll need the most rest and care. Significant swelling and bruising are completely normal during this time, and most patients describe the discomfort as mild and easily managed with prescribed medication.
By the second week, you'll notice the swelling beginning to subside, and many patients feel comfortable returning to light activities like gentle walks and quiet social visits. This is when the magic really starts to happen—you'll catch glimpses of your new, refreshed appearance emerging.
Week three and four bring dramatic improvements as most visible swelling resolves and you can resume normal daily activities. The facelift before and after 70 year old change becomes more apparent, and patients often tell us they feel like themselves again, just refreshed and revitalized.
The final results become evident over the following two to three months as all swelling completely resolves and your tissues settle into their beautiful new position.
Special considerations for mature patients include thorough cardiovascular clearance before surgery, careful review of all medications and supplements, and extended monitoring periods. We use the safest anesthesia protocols specifically designed for our mature patients.
Research shows that healthy patients in their 70s have similar complication rates to younger patients when properly screened and managed. The key is honest communication about your health status and realistic expectations about your recovery timeline.
How Long Until You Feel "Photo-Ready"?
At two weeks, most patients feel comfortable going out in public with makeup and can enjoy casual social situations. You might not feel camera-ready for your close-up yet, but you'll be pleasantly surprised by how normal you feel.
By one month, the change is remarkable. Most swelling has resolved, and patients feel confident in professional settings, formal dinners, and family gatherings. The results are becoming beautifully apparent.
At three months, you'll feel completely comfortable in all situations, including professional photography sessions with grandchildren. This is when the final results are fully evident, and patients often tell us they wish they'd done the surgery sooner.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Proper nutrition becomes even more important as we age. Your body needs adequate protein and vitamins to heal effectively, along with plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Having help at home for the first week is essential and non-negotiable. This includes someone to assist with meals, provide transportation to follow-up appointments, and help with basic daily activities.
Frequent follow-up visits are part of our commitment to your success. We schedule these appointments to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns promptly.
Gentle movement is encouraged even during early recovery. While rest is important, light walking helps prevent complications and actually promotes better healing.
More info about recovery provides comprehensive details about what to expect during your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about Facelift After Seventy
I understand that considering facelift surgery at 70 brings up many questions and concerns. Over the years, I've had countless conversations with patients who wondered if they were "too old" or if the results would look natural. Let me address the questions I hear most often.
Is 70 Too Old for a Facelift?
This is the first question almost every septuagenarian patient asks me, and my answer is always the same: absolutely not! I've performed successful facelifts on patients well into their 80s, and the results have been remarkable.
Age is just a number when it comes to facelift candidacy. What really matters is your overall health, your motivation for surgery, and having realistic expectations about what we can achieve together.
The key is thorough medical evaluation. We look at your cardiovascular health, review your medications, and assess your healing capacity. If you're in good health and have a positive outlook, there's no reason age should stop you from looking as vibrant as you feel.
I've seen too many patients who waited years because they thought they were "too old," only to wish they had done it sooner. One 72-year-old patient told me after her surgery, "I should have done this five years ago – I feel like myself again!"
How Natural Will My Results Look?
This concern is completely understandable, and it's actually one of the most important aspects of performing facelift before and after 70 year old procedures. The goal is never to make you look 30 again – that wouldn't look natural or appropriate.
Instead, we're aiming to restore the facial contours and definition you had years ago. Think of it as turning back the clock to show the best version of yourself, not changing who you are.
Modern facelift techniques, particularly the deep plane approach I often use, work with your natural facial structure. We're not pulling skin tight – we're repositioning the deeper tissues to create a refreshed, natural appearance.
The best compliment my patients receive isn't "Did you have work done?" but rather "You look so rested and refreshed!" That's exactly what we're aiming for.
How Long Do Results Last at This Age?
Here's some wonderful news: facelift results in 70-year-old patients typically last 10 to 15 years, which for many patients means a lifetime of looking more youthful.
While you'll continue to age naturally, you'll always look better than you would have without the surgery. It's like pressing a reset button on your facial aging process.
Several factors influence how long your results will last. Your skin quality and genetics play a role, as does your commitment to sun protection and good skincare.
Patients who maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect their skin tend to enjoy longer-lasting results.
The surgical technique we choose also matters. Deep plane facelifts tend to provide longer-lasting results because we're addressing the deeper facial structures, not just the skin surface.
Most importantly, even as time passes, my patients consistently tell me they're grateful for the years of looking and feeling more confident. The investment in yourself pays dividends in quality of life and self-esteem.
Conclusion
When I look at facelift before and after 70 year old photos with my patients, I see something wonderful: the restoration of confidence and the beautiful alignment between how they feel inside and how they look in the mirror.
Age really is just a number when it comes to facial rejuvenation. I've had the privilege of helping countless patients in their 70s achieve remarkable changes that bring back their natural vitality. These aren't dramatic makeovers that change who you are – they're careful restorations that reveal the best version of yourself.
What makes these results so special is the age-appropriate artistry we bring to each case. Every patient gets a personalized plan that respects their unique facial characteristics while addressing their specific concerns. Whether you're dealing with heavy jowls, neck sagging, or just want to look as vibrant as you feel, we can create a surgical approach that works for you.
The patients I work with come from all over South Florida – Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, South Miami, and Hialeah. What they all share is a desire to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. And honestly, that's a goal worth pursuing at any age.
I've seen 70-year-old patients who were hesitant about surgery become some of our most enthusiastic advocates. They're amazed not just by how they look, but by how much better they feel. One patient told me she finally felt like herself again when she looked in the mirror – and that's exactly what we're aiming for.
The journey to facial rejuvenation at 70 does require careful planning and expert execution, but it also requires something else: compassionate care. I understand that this decision isn't just about surgery – it's about reclaiming your confidence and feeling your best during these wonderful years of your life.
More info about face-lift services provides additional details about our comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
If you're curious about what's possible at your age, I'd love to meet with you for a consultation. We can look at examples of facelift before and after 70 year old results together and discuss what might work best for your unique situation. There's no pressure – just an honest conversation about your goals and how we might help you achieve them.
The truth is, it's never too late to invest in yourself. The remarkable changes I see in my septuagenarian patients prove that some of life's best chapters can still be ahead of you. Why not look and feel your absolute best while you're living them?





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