I get this question ALL.THE.TIME. When is too young to consider a face lift? When should I start considering a face/neck lift?
Sadly, the answer isn't very straight-forward, but let's try to make some sense of it.
It seems that recently the trend is towards having a mini-lift in late 30s and 40s. This mini face/necklift will improve areas along the jawline, such as jowling, or loosening of skin under the chin. In this age group, another version of a "mini" lift means more minimal dissection as there has been some slight descent of tissues and fat pads in the face, but still very early in the aging process, so a more minimal dissection could achieve the desired look.
When it is appropriate to consider this "mini" lift depends on: 1) your anatomy 2) genetics 3) your metabolism 4) your exercise regimen 5) weight loss/weight gain history and 6) sun exposure. For clients who have lost weight (such as after pregnancy), the fat under the chin may have disappeared, but the loose skin just never fully snapped back. Also clients with more sun exposure (live in more Southern states or are not religious with their sun screen) will have more wrinkles/lines/skin damage that would warrant surgical repair, such as a neck/face lift possibly at an earlier age.
More traditionally, women undergo face/neck lifts in their 50s and 60s. This is typically more of a deep-plane facelift that repositions the fat pads in the midface and jowls in addition to addressing skin laxity issues. While in a "mini" lift, the extent of dissection is more limited, a more traditional approach entails a more extensive dissection both under the skin and in the deeper facial planes.
Regardless of whether you choose to under an earlier, "mini" lift or a more delayed, extensive face/neck lift, you can expect your results to last 8-10 years as long as your weight is stable and you continue with good skin care. So if you only really want to undergo the surgery once, it would be advisable to wait until your 50s or 60s.
Ultimately the decision to proceed with facial rejuvenation surgery is between you and your surgeon. Factors such as weight loss, overall health and sun exposure are critical to consider when deciding on timing of surgery.