Many individuals experiencing the signs of aging are looking for ways—surgical and non-surgical—to slow down the aging process and look younger than ever. One popular procedure for reaching this goal is the facelift. Also known as rhytidectomy, the facelift is a cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to reduce visible signs of aging on the neck and face. The procedure can smooth out wrinkles, tighten sagging skin, and give you a more youthful look. Individuals who undergo this procedure can expect dramatic and transformative results, so, understandably, many are asking the question: How long do the results of the facelift last? If you are considering having this procedure, consulting with a board-certified oculoplastic surgeon will give you a better idea of what results you can expect based on your situation.

 

How Long Do the Results of a Facelift Last?

If you are considering undergoing this cosmetic procedure, it is important to understand that various factors may affect the length of time the results can last. 

On average, facelift results can last for 7 to 10 years. This timeline varies from person to person and depends on different personal and procedural factors. Well-performed facelifts are effective in turning back the clock. However, this does not mean that the aging process will stop after a patient gets a facelift. As time passes, genetics, lifestyle choices, sun exposure, and gravity will continue to change your skin and facial structures.

 

Factors that May Affect How Long Your Facelift Can Last

 

1. Type of Facelift

A full or traditional facelift can address problems in your upper midface, lower midface, upper cheek, jawline, and neck. This type of facelift usually lasts longer than the less invasive mini facelift, which addresses problems in your cheekbones,  jawline, and neck. The mid-facelift, otherwise called a cheek lift, tightens the skin from the upper mouth to the eye areas and creates a less sunken look in the under-eye area. Deep plane facelift usually provides the longest-lasting results, repositioning muscle and fat layers under the skin. 

 

2. Age at the Time of Surgery

Age is a factor in the results of your facelift because the younger the skin, typically, the more elastic it is. The more elastic the skin is, the longer the procedure results can last. Patients in their 40s or early 50s can enjoy longer-lasting results than patients in their 60s and 70s. That said, you are never too old to get a facelift. You can still benefit from the procedure well into your later years, though the results may not last long due to reduced elasticity and collagen.

It should be noted that a 75-year-old patient with good skin elasticity will have better results than a 45-year-old patient with poor skin elasticity, so it is less about age than skin quality.

 

3. Skin Quality

On that note, patients with naturally thicker and more elastic skin can expect longer-lasting results than those with thinner or sun-damaged skin.

 

4. Surgeon’s Skill

Make sure you choose the right surgeon for your facelift. Experienced board-certified surgeons have a higher likelihood of giving you the natural-looking, long-lasting results you crave. Their precise surgical technique can ensure that the tissue is securely repositioned, paving the way for longer-lasting results. An experienced, board-certified surgeon can ensure that you undergo a safe facelift procedure that will give you a youthful face in the most natural way.

 

5. Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle factors can have a tremendous effect on your facelift results, either positively or negatively.

Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and unprotected sun exposure can all accelerate the aging process, making you look older faster. These stimuli will also reduce the longevity of your facelift results. In contrast, healthy lifestyle habits like maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, keeping yourself hydrated, exercising regularly, keeping your alcohol consumption at a minimum, and protecting yourself from the sun will keep your skin healthy and preserve your facelift results.

 

How to Extend the Life of Your Facelift Results

While no facelift can last forever, there are things you can do to help your youthful appearance last for as long as possible.

• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: The UV rays from the sun can damage and age your skin. To protect it, apply sunscreen with at least 30 SPF.
• Maintain a Skincare Routine: Keep your skin moisturized using a good-quality moisturizer. Incorporate retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C in your daily routine.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Remember that proper nutrition can support your skin’s health. You want it to be at its best.
• Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol Consumption: These are bad habits that can accelerate aging. They can cause premature aging.
• Consider Non-Surgical Top-ups: Talk to your surgeon and ask about how fillers, skin tightening treatments, or ultrasound therapy can help you.

 

Facelift in Denver

A facelift is a wonderful tool for achieving a youthful, refreshed look that can usually last for 7 to 10 years. However, there are adjustments you can make to extend the life of your facelift results.

If you are considering having a facelift done so you can look younger and enhance your features, schedule a consultation with our surgeon today! He can provide you with the proper guidance and advice regarding this important decision.