Our London Consultant Plastic Surgeon recently appeared on “This Morning.” During a discussion on the rising popularity of facelift surgery among younger patients, Mr Townley provided expert context from a professional and ethical standpoint.
Mr Townley emphasizes that while facelift surgery can be appropriate in certain circumstances for younger individuals, it is not generally recommended for patients in their 20s unless there is a clear reconstructive indication. He explains that in his own practice, facelifts in younger patients are more commonly performed for reconstructive purposes, such as correcting facial asymmetry caused by facial palsy, rather than for aesthetic ageing concerns.
Throughout the discussion, Mr Townley positions surgeons as “gatekeepers” in the UK, highlighting that British practice tends to be more conservative compared with cosmetic surgery abroad. He stresses that surgeons have a responsibility to carefully assess whether surgery is appropriate, rather than simply fulfilling a request. His philosophy centres on preserving a patient’s identity, making meaningful improvements that enhance confidence without fundamentally changing how a patient looks.
When discussing risk, Mr Townley explains that while the technical risks of surgery may be similar regardless of age, the stakes are higher for younger patients, as any complications or dissatisfaction with results may affect them for a longer period of time. He identifies outcome dissatisfaction (i.e., not achieving the desired result) as one of the most significant risks to consider.
Finally, Mr Townley offers broader advice to viewers, cautioning against following short-lived beauty trends in the age of social media. He encourages patients to think carefully about how surgical decisions made today will sit with them in the long term, and whether those choices will continue to feel appropriate years into the future.
Mr Townley is widely respected in the UK and internationally for his ethical approach to facial rejuvenation and his expertise in advanced facelift techniques. To learn more about facelift surgery or to arrange a personalised consultation with Mr William Townley, we welcome you to contact us today.
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