To susie49,
It is really hard to generalize, because each person's tissues are different and facelifts are done differently, even if they have the same name. So I don't know if this is very helpful, but it should last a long time
Facelift surgery, by whatever method, merely sets you back in the aging process. You will continue to age at whatever your "aging rate" is. Your "aging rate" is dependent on many factors as noted by other respondents. So for some people the lift will last 5 years and for others 10 or even 15 years and for others still a lifetime. In general, the more invasive the facelift procedure, the further it sets you back on your aging timeline (i.e. the younger it makes you look). Good luck.
Facelifts can last a lifetime. If you could compare a patient ten years or 20 years after a facelift to their unaltered self, you would still see some improvement from the facelift. While each facelift can show improvement for years, it really depends upon the individual skin quality, their age at the time of their facelift, genetics, sun exposure, smoking history, and diet.
A good facelift works on the SMAS and platysma layer to renew the face. The correction of sagging is not permanent, however, the lift is similar to turning back the hands of a clock.
When you stop turning, the clock continues to progress forward and eventually you will reach the time from when the turn was performed. The same is true of a facelift, your age will be reversed but eventually you will look like you did before the facelift. The only catch is that it will be 5-15 years later. This is important because if you had nothing done, what would your appearance be in 5-15 years. Obviously worse than if the procedure was done.
Finally the time it takes for you to return to your pre-surgery look will depend on genetics, preventative maintenance, and the elasticity and health of your skin and underlying tissues.
Robert M. Freund, MD, FACS
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