How Long Do Facelifts Last?

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This is the most common question I get from my patients; my answer is: “The benefits of the facelift last forever.” The facelift not only “turns back the clock,” but the face-aging process going forward is much slower.

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for those who want to turn back the clock and look younger. Its effectiveness for tightening facial skin and underlying tissues to restore a youthful look is well known, but many people wonder how long facelift results last. The duration of facelift results depends on several factors. This blog will explore them and what can be done to extend their results.

What Does a Facelift Do?

Before we explore the longevity of facelift results, let’s first understand what the procedure involves. 

A facelift can significantly enhance facial appearance by addressing many signs of facial aging, such as deep wrinkles, sagging skin, jowls, and a loss of definition along the jawline. The procedure involves lifting and recontouring the underlying tissues, tightening muscles, and removing excess skin.

There are different types of facelift techniques available, with varying degrees of invasiveness and potential results: 

• Mini Facelift: This approach is less invasive and targets the lower third of the face.
• Full Facelift: This traditional approach addresses the mid-to-lower face.
• Deep Plane Facelift: This advanced facelift option also addresses sagging cheeks.

Most of the time, facelift surgery includes a neck lift for a smooth transition from the face to the neck. The type of facelift you have can affect how long your results last, with more extensive procedures typically lasting longer.

What Is the Longevity of Most Facelift Results?

On average, facelift results can last 10–15 years. However, this can vary from patient to patient. For some men and women, their youthful look can last beyond 15 years, while others may begin seeing the signs of aging sooner.

A facelift will make you look younger, but it won’t stop the aging process. Your face will continue to age naturally after surgery, but you’ll always look younger than if you hadn’t had the procedure.

What Affects Facelift Results?

Several factors can affect how long facelift results last, with some in your control. Here’s what can impact your facelift results:

Your Age at the Time of Surgery

Your age is a big factor in how long your facelift results last. Generally, younger patients (40s and early 50s) have longer-lasting results as their skin has better elasticity. Older patients can still have great results, but natural aging causes new skin laxity to develop faster.

Your Skin Quality and Elasticity

Skin quality and elasticity make a big difference when it comes to the durability of facelift results. Patients with good skin elasticity will have longer-lasting results. Genetics, sun exposure, and overall skin care can affect your skin’s elasticity. Those with thicker, more resilient skin will have a longer-lasting lift than those with thinner, less elastic skin.

Your Lifestyle Choices

Your lifestyle after surgery can greatly affect how long your facelift results last. Not smoking and reducing alcohol intake may help you look younger longer. 

Sun Exposure

Prolonged UV exposure without skin protection (like sunscreen) can lead to sun damage, one of the leading causes of premature aging. By avoiding excessive sun exposure, using an SPF 30 or more sunscreen daily, and wearing protective clothing or hats, you can extend the life of your facelift results.

Weight Fluctuations

Substantial weight loss can affect the longevity of a facelift. Rapid weight fluctuations can cause skin to stretch and sag and diminish the effects of the surgery. Maintain a stable weight with regular exercise and healthy eating habits to maximize the length of time your facelift results last.

The Surgical Technique

The skill of your surgeon and the technique they use are crucial to getting results with the best longevity. Surgeons who specialize in facelift surgery and use advanced techniques that tighten the deeper facial tissues, not just the skin, will have results that last longer. Only tightening the skin results in outcomes that don’t last very long, with skin starting to sag again sooner compared to a more comprehensive approach.

How Can I Maintain My Facelift Results?

Although the natural aging process will continue, there are several ways to maintain your facelift results as long as possible. 

Compliance

Follow your surgeon’s postoperative instructions, attend follow-up appointments, and avoid strenuous activity during the healing period.

Skin Care Routine

Consistent skin care with high-quality products suitable for your skin type and concerns will keep you looking younger both naturally and after a facelift. Exfoliate, moisturize, and wear an effective sunscreen or protective clothing to keep your skin youthful and healthy.

Non-surgical Facial Treatments

Over time, you may want to consider certain non-surgical cosmetic treatments to complement or maintain your facelift results. Facials, microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peels can all improve skin texture and tone.

Healthy Lifestyle

Your overall health will affect how well your facelift results last. Eating a nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, adequate water consumption, and exercising regularly can all contribute to healthier, younger-looking skin. Also, avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption to preserve your skin’s elasticity and delay further signs of aging.

Natural and Long-Lasting Facelift Results in Newport Beach, CA

Dr. Boris Ackerman is a leader in the development of innovative facelift techniques and is a well-respected expert in deep-plane facelift surgery. By choosing our highly skilled and experienced surgeon, following his postoperative care instructions, receiving non-surgical skin treatments, and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can enjoy your facelift results for 15 years or more. If you want to achieve excellent and long-lasting facelift results, call our Newport Beach plastic surgery practice at (949) 759-3284 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule an in-depth consultation.