Facelift surgery, or rhytidectomy, has long been one of the most effective ways to rejuvenate one’s facial appearance. This procedure offers a more youthful appearance by tightening loose, sagging skin, lifting underlying tissues, and smoothing deep lines and wrinkles. For those seeking the most effective solution to facial aging, a facelift can be transformative. However, while long-lasting, the results of a facelift are not permanent. In this blog, we explain how natural aging continues, and over time, additional wrinkles, skin sagging, and volume loss will affect facelift outcomes. We will also share some tips to help maintain younger-looking skin and facial contours for as long as possible after a facelift.
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Do Some Facelift Technique Results Last Longer Than Others?
Both the quality and longevity of facelift results can vary widely among patients depending on several factors. The type of facelift performed, the patient’s age, skin quality, lifestyle choices, genetics, and, of course, the skill of their plastic surgeon all influence facelift results. When it comes to different types of facelifts and techniques, there are several:
- Traditional Facelift: This comprehensive facial procedure treats the lower two-thirds of the face and neck. By lifting underlying muscles, removing or redistributing fat pockets, and tightening the skin, this facelift can provide dramatic and long-lasting results.
- Mid-Facelift: This procedure focuses on the middle portion of the face, typically the cheeks and under-eye area. The results of a mid-facelift can last many years, making it a popular procedure to combine with other facial surgeries.
- Endotine® Lift: As a minimally invasive surgery, this procedure addresses the upper face (eyes and forehead).
- Silhouette InstaLift®: The Silhouette thread lift is an alternative to facelift surgery that restores volume and lifts skin using thread-like sutures embedded with micro-cones. These sutures stimulate collagen growth for continued facial enhancement.
On average, the results of a well-performed facelift can last anywhere from seven to ten years or more. Some patients may even enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for 15 years, while others might notice changes after five or six.
Should You Combine Other Cosmetic Facial Surgeries With Your Facelift?
When targeting the mid-to-lower face because of significant concerns, other areas will continue to age. If you see minor changes around the eyes or forehead, you may want to consider adding eyelid surgery or a brow lift to your facelift for balanced results and longer-lasting facial rejuvenation. A neck lift is another procedure that patients often choose to combine with a traditional facelift.
For long-lasting to permanent enhancement, fat grafting can add natural volume to the cheeks, while facial liposculpture combines liposuction and fat grafting to enhance neck and face contours.
Top 5 Factors Influencing the Longevity of Facelift Results
Several factors help to determine how long facelift results last. Knowing what to expect and how to maximize the aesthetic benefits will help in planning facelift surgery:
- Age at the Time of Surgery: Patients who undergo facelift surgery in their 40s or 50s may experience longer-lasting results than those who have the procedure later in life. Younger skin tends to have better elasticity, which can enhance the durability of the facelift.
- Skin Quality: The condition of your skin before surgery plays a significant role in the longevity of your results. Patients with thicker, more elastic skin typically see longer-lasting improvements. Conversely, those with thinner skin or significant sun damage may notice changes sooner.
- Surgical Technique: The skill and experience of your plastic surgeon are critical in determining the outcome and longevity of your facelift. A highly skilled surgeon will use advanced techniques to ensure a natural-looking result that stands the test of time.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor diet can accelerate aging and shorten the lifespan of your facelift results. On the other hand, healthy lifestyle choices can help maintain a youthful appearance for longer.
- Genetics: Your genetic makeup has a significant impact on the way your skin ages. If you have a family history of early sagging or wrinkles, you may notice changes in your facelift results sooner than someone with skin aging more slowly.
(The Above Photos Are of an Actual Patient of Dr. Butler.)
How Can I Maintain Facelift Results for as Long as Possible?
While you cannot completely stop your skin from aging, there are several steps you can take to maintain and extend your facelift results:
Use Sun Protection
Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is one of the most important things you can do to preserve your facelift results. Sun damage accelerates the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when outside, even when it’s cloudy. Additionally, wear protective clothing and sunglasses and seek shade whenever possible.
Skincare Routine
A consistent and effective skincare routine can help prolong your facelift results. Use high-quality skincare products that contain ingredients like retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides, which support collagen production and skin regeneration. Exfoliate your skin regularly to promote cell turnover. It’s also essential to moisturize daily to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
Try Periodic Nonsurgical Skin Treatments
To extend the lifespan of your facelift, consider incorporating nonsurgical treatments into your routine. BOTOX® Cosmetic can help prevent the formation of new wrinkles by relaxing the facial muscles, and considerate use of dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® provides long-lasting volume and wrinkle correction.
Laser resurfacing and chemical peels are designed to improve skin texture and tone, sometimes even better than surgical procedures, and can help keep your complexion looking smooth and youthful.
Talk to Dr. Butler about the appropriate use of these adjunctive treatments. They can be very helpful, but overuse is not recommended.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Practicing a healthy lifestyle is essential to maintain youthful-looking skin, while bad habits and chronic stress contribute to premature aging.
Staying at a consistent and healthy weight without wide up-and-down dieting swings is important. This avoids unnecessary distention of the skin. Hydration, regular exercise, conservative use of alcohol, as well as attention to nutritional practices, restful sleep, and regular medical management of any systemic medical problems all contribute to the appearance of youth. Meditation practices are also helpful.
Cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and blood sugar control contribute to good circulation, collagen production, youthful complexion, and preservation of healthy facial fat and muscle volume.
While there is no evidence that mega (high dose) vitamin therapy is beneficial, sensible use of vitamins and antioxidants does promote skin and soft tissue health.
Dental health is also important for maintaining bone structure in the face and jaw.
Diet and Hydration
It’s worth repeating:
A healthy diet that includes antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and proper hydration promotes healthy, supple skin. Drink plenty of water every day while limiting caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrates the skin.
Regular Follow-Up Appointments
After your facelift surgery, attend all follow-up appointments with your plastic surgeon so they can check your healing progress and address concerns. Your surgeon can also recommend additional treatments or skincare products to help maintain your facelift results.
Avoid Weight Fluctuations
To expand on this subject:
Significant weight loss may affect the results of your facelift by causing the skin to stretch and sag. Exercising regularly and eating healthy should help you keep your weight stable. If you’re planning to lose a substantial amount of weight using bariatric surgery or weight loss medication like Ozempic®, it’s best to do so before undergoing facelift surgery.
Consider Additional Procedures
If you notice your facelift has begun to fade, consider additional procedures to maintain your youthful appearance. For example, a mini facelift or neck lift can address specific issues without a completely new facelift. Fat injections can also be used to restore volume in areas that have lost fullness over time.
Santa Monica, CA’s Top Facelift Expert
Our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. David M. Butler, specializes in cosmetic facial surgery and offers several facelift options in Santa Monica, California. Call our office at (310) 428-0033 to schedule an in-depth consultation and get started on your facial rejuvenation journey.