Any procedure that attempts to fool gravity is bound to fail ultimately if you do not have realistic expectations. When a patient asks the question you do, they want the answer to tell them how long will they look just like they do soon after the facelift. They often don't take into account that you continue to age.

Firstly, I answer the question to my patients with a simple "I don't know!" All that I can say is that the visual clock turns back. You will always look better than if nothing was done to you in the first place. That being said, if nothing is done with bad skin (due to genetics, sun exposure, smoking, advanced age, etc.) the results will be better, but suboptimal.

Also, if volume restoration is not addressed, results are suboptimal Facial rejuvenation surgery should address what you see as aging (skin sag and volume loss) and what you can't see (bad skin quality). I tell my patients that I will rejuvenate and repair their faces. Facelifts only rejuvenate your appearance. They don't repair anything. Make sure your surgeon also address skin repair and volume restoration.

Good luck.

Dr. Shah