How Long Does a Facelift Last?
Facelift surgery is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic operations in the nation, due in large part to how much we hate looking old and past our prime. Some patients mistakenly believe that a facelift can offer permanent results and will rejuvenate the entire face. The reality is that this procedure “resets the clock” but does not stop the progression of time. Importantly, the length of time a facelift will last depends upon the quality and elasticity of your tissues AND the techniques a surgeon uses to rejuvenate your face. The “minimally invasive”, “non-surgical”, and “lunchtime” facelift procedures typically have very short lived results and/or results that are well below expectations. Real surgical facial rejuvenation surgery usually only takes a week or two, not months, before your appearance is acceptable for the public. The results of surgery typically soften and improve over a year. If you’re considering facelift surgery or any surgical facial enhancement, you should first seek to become well informed about how long to expect the benefits to last, and exactly which procedures will best affect the areas of your concern. Our knowledgeable plastic surgeon, Dr. Mark Richards, can provide you with a range of options and explain their longevity during your initial consultation. Some of the factors that he will take into consideration during his evaluation include:
- Depth and location of lines and wrinkles
- Degree of skin laxity
- Amount of facial fat loss and flattening of youthful curves
- Apparent rate of aging based on genetics, environmental stressors, and biological age in each third of your face
- Location of the areas showing troublesome signs of aging
- Lifestyle choices and their effect on the recovery and aging process
- Skin care regimen
As you can see, there are a multitude of elements that can affect the longevity of a facelift. Still, most patients can expect the benefits of this procedure to last up to a decade or longer. Furthermore, there are many ways you can extend the length of the effects for as long as possible, including maintaining a healthy diet and fitness program, utilizing appropriate skin care products, and protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. Additionally, dermal fillers or longer lasting SCULPTRA® and Xeomin® or BOTOX® Cosmetic can be used to enhance the outcome and prolong the results years after the operation. Dr. Richards will discuss all these options during your initial consultation and answer any other questions you may have.
For more information about facelift benefits and the longevity of facial rejuvenation treatments, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Richards, please contact us today.