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How Long Does a Facelift Last?

asked 3 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 21,824 times
Tags: plastic surgery

How long does a facelift last? What factors determine how long a facelift will last?

49 answers to How Long Does a Facelift Last?

+4

2-10 years, depending on the technique and the patient

These are averages for what patients report after their surgery. Threadlifts: Most patients notice a benefit for 6 months to 1 year. No permanent benefit is usually noted since the tissues usually slide past the sutures. In all cases when we have removed threads during revision procedures, the sutures have held no tension and were often quite loose. The data are not fully in on Endotine lifts performed with undermining (lifts performed with a self dissolving device that hooks onto the... more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

+4

Lasting results depend on technique

Some Face Lifts only tighten the loose skin. These procedures will last the least amount of time. This might be an acceptable procedure for some patients, but it might not give a long lasting result. The SMAS Lift offers the most natural improvement to the face because the underlying tissue layers and muscles of the face are lifted and repositioned, improving the jaw line and neck area. By using this technique, patients look more the way they used to look before the aging process since the... more
Vivian Hernandez, MD

Boca Raton Facial Plastic Surgeon
+4

A great facelift is long-lasting

A facelift is for many like turning back the clock and getting a fresh start. The quality of your skin before your facial rejuvenation procedure will definitely have an effect on the lasting results of a facelift. For example, a person who has previously been a heavy smoker, a serious sun worshipper, or a person who has been morbidly obese may have skin laxity issues that can contribute to results that don't last as long as a person who starts with great skin before suegery. Taking care of... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

+4

Lasting Results from a Facelift

Facelifts are also referred to as a rhytidectomy procedure. The longevity of a face lift result really depends on the type of face lift and the depth of correction. Routinely, a well performed face lift not only addresses the redundancy of skin but also the underlying fascial and muscular support. Shorter, no downtime facelifts do not adequately correct the underlying muscular and fascial support and are more prone to relapse.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+4

It depends which procedure you choose

While genetics and skin quality are important in longevity of a facelift, technique is the number one factor in how long the result will last. Fast recovery and minimal facelift techniques will last the least amount of time: Thread Lifts - were very popular in the media over the last few years, but patients found they only lasted a few months to a year, and were very disappointed. Mini-face lift - S-lift - refers to a face lift with a small amount of skin undermining (non-extensive), with... more
Michael A. Bogdan, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

www.drmichaelbogdan.com

+4

Excellent question which is posed by almost every...

Excellent question which is posed by almost every patient looking for cosmetic rejuvenation. Unfortunately, no physician can tell how long a facelift will last just as no physician can tell you what you will look like in the future without a facelift. There are many factors which affect how skin ages including: smoking sun exposure genetics stress nutrition All of these factors play a role in the aging process. Another important factor to consider is what type of facelift is to be... more
D.J. Verret, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

innovationsfps.com

+3

Facelift Longevity

The longevity of any face lifting procedure will be influenced by multiple factors beyond the type of facelift performed and the skill and expertise of the plastic surgeon: the extent of tissue elasticity and sagging, genetics, amount of sun damage, life style (smoking, significant weight fluctuations, excess dieting or exercise), general medical health and other adjunctive procedures (like fillers, Dysport or Botox, peels, skin care program) performed in conjunction with (the facelift or as... more
Robert Singer, MD

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon
+3

Can my facelift last forever?

It is a misnomer and misconception calling for duration and longevity of a face lift result. Aging face is a dynamic process. A well performed facelift surgery generally washes away about 10 years from your face, but remember you will continue to age. According to my experience, ten years post facelift surgery; you should still have a firmer and better looking neck than your pre operative appearance. There are various elements affecting facial aging process after face lift surgery which... more
Kevin Sadati, DO

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

Longevity of face lifts

There are tons of different types of face lifts. I hear this question a lot, and here's the deal. I cannot speak for all surgeons but here's what I see.   Every single one of us in on an escalator of aging. The escalator moves at different speeds for each of us depending on genetic factors and environmental factors such as sun exposure and smoking. The rate at which the escalator moves dictates our apparent age. Some of us are lucky in that our escalator is slow and... more
Raghu Athre, MD

Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.athresurgical.com

+3

Face Lifts

 In the face  and neck lift operation many problemes are corrected, some of this problems are pemanitly corrected  and this can be the transesections of the muscles and some of them like the removal of the extra skin can be not as permantly change.  The condition of the skin particurally sun damage influence the permancy of the results.  Also in Face Lits dependes if the surgeon attack all the differents problem areas like muscles ans fat removal. Thank You... more
Alejandro J. Quiroz, M.D.

Mexico Plastic Surgeon
+3

Facelift Longevity

This is probably the most common question asked in Facelift consultations. The topic has already been very well covered, but several points need to be reinforced. In a mid 50's patient with appropriate expectations in excellent health (non smoker who practices sun safe measures) who has the procedure performed by a well qualified local Facelift Surgeon (Facial Plastic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon), using a technique which is appropriate for the aging changes present, the procedure will... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drprendiville.com

+3

How long does a facelift last?

Hello, What factors come into play regarding longevity; include genetics, sun exposure, original quality of procedure, your perspective / expectations and health as starters. In terms of my results, patients that come in for touch ups are in the 7-10 year period after their first procedure. I have pictures of patients that come in for touch ups that still look better than they did when they first walked in for their first laser vertical Facelift, 7-10 years prior.
Michael Kulick, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+3

How long does a facelift last?

A better question would be, "How much younger will a facelift make me look?" Facelift surgery is a way of "resetting the clock of aging in your face." The same factors that caused your face to age before surgery will continue to cause facial aging. In the average patient, a facelift operation rejuvenates the face by ten years. There are exceptional cases where the surgery can make a patient look twenty years younger. I suggest you bring some photographs to your facial... more
Maurice M. Khosh, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+3

4 Keys to Longevity of a Face Lift

Face lift longevity depends a lot on four key aspects. 1. The type of technique. 2. The expertise and experience of the surgeon that’s performing the procedure. 3. The genetics of the patient. 4. The environment in which they live. To optimize the length of a face lift such as one that I perform, which is a Lift and Fill facelift with deep layer SMAS elevation and filling of the central deep fat compartments to re-shape the face. This type of facelift usually lasts 7 – 10 years... more
Rod J. Rohrich, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+3

Your Anatomy, Genetics, Skin Care & Type of Facelift

Hello, I would agree that a well performed and appropriately selected Facelift will last 5-10 years. It is important to recognize that in all patients after the first few weeks a little "settling in" occurrs, where 5-10% of the "tightness" initally seen goes away as the swelling of the facial tissues go down. That's why its is useless and frankly unethical for after pictures to be taken very soon after surgery since these are not the utlitmate results that will be seen... more
Kamran Jafri, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Face Lift Duration

2-5 years for a lifestyle lift. 7 - 10 years for a traditional lift. However, the patient who has not taken care of their skin either through smoking, too much sun, or too much weight will not have as lasting results as a patient with good skin.
Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS

West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2

A facelift can last 5-10 years on average...

The facelift is performed using techniques designed for a long term improvement.  The long lasting results of a facelift depend on your lifestyle choices...such as smoking and sun exposure.  Bone structure and heredity also play a role.  A healthy patient in their fifties can have lasting results up to ten years plus. 
Andrew Miller, MD

Edison Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.associatesinplasticsurgery.com

+2

Facelift benefits last a lifetime

The results of a well-performed facelift should be evident for a lifetime. That being said, the aging process will still continue on even after having facelift surgery. Facelift surgery generally takes off about 10 years. Many factors affect this including each person's unique genetic aging process, ongoing skin care/sun protection, and avoiding tobacco use. As mentioned, the facelift technique also plays a role. Less extensive/shorter-recovery lifts don't have as durable a result.... more
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

How long does a facelift result last?

The benefits that occur from a well done facelift can and should last a lifetime.  You will never look the same as if you never had the lift.  That being said, the facelift will elevate the tissues of the face but gravity, loss of facial volume, and aging of the skin still occur.   Thus, while the clock is set back some 10 years or so it is, in fact, still ticking.  There are times when I see someone 10 years after a facelift who truly needs additional elevation... more
Douglas Stevens, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

A facelift will not stop the clock just set it back 5-10 years.

Facial rejuvenation procedures set back the clock, 5, 10, 15 years, but do not stop the aging process.  It is variable from patient to patient how quickly signs of further aging will manifest itself depending on history of sun exposure, smoking, genetics etc.
Sanjay Grover MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.doctorgrover.com

+2

4 important considerations

1.  Type of Facelift Procedure:   From a facelift technical persective, the longevity of a Facelift is directly proportional to the extent of SMAS repositioning performed.   A carefully performed SMAS lift will last from 8 to 12 years.  On the other hand, a skin only facelift will typically stretch out within a year. 2.   Skin Elasticity:  Genetic factors, history of cigarette smoking, and sun exposure all influence skin elasticity.    These are... more
Paul S. Gill, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+2

Face lift benefits last forever

This is one of the more commonly asked questions in my practice.  If the face lift is done properly, namely the surgeon is skilled and experienced and corrects all the deep structures in the face, than the results last forever.  By this I do not mean that the face remains "frozen" or uncharged with years.  There is always some aging that's going to occur with time.  I tell my patients that a face lift will turn back the lock significantly, but it will not... more
Boris M. Ackerman, MD

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+2

How long do Face Lifts last?

Face Lifts last on average for 10 years. There are a number of factors that will determine how long your results will last including the type of face lift performed. Typically younger patients have better skin quality and their results can last longer than older patients. Avoiding significant sun exposure and nicotine along with proper skin care can help increase the longevity of your results.  Face Lifts that do not rely on the skin and that elevate the SMAS or tissue below to the... more
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Improvement with Facelifts

The results of a Facelift last forever.  When someone who undergoes a facelift, it turns back time.  However, if we are lucky, we continue to age.  Facelifts turn the clock back.  They do not stop it.  A Facelift performed by a qualified, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon should please you for years.
Malcolm A. Lesavoy, MD

Encino Plastic Surgeon
+2

Lasting facelift results

I like to tell patients that a facelift will set the patient’s appearance back anywhere from 8 to 12 years, depending on the aging characteristics in the face. As the patient then continues to age, the features that were corrected will, in time, eventually recur. There are various traits that determine how fast the appearance of aging will take place - poor elasticity of skin, significant weight loss, and cigarette smoking are all risk factors.
Jeffrey Epstein MD, FACS

Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Longevity of a Facelift

A facelift duration depends on many factors which include: the type of facelift the elasticity of the skin and underlying tissues avoidance in fluctuations in weight gains Typically a well performed facelift can show improvements in the face for 10 years.  A facelift is not the panacea for all facial aging issues but can be an important and powerful component in patients seeking rejuvenation of the face and neck.  
Anil R. Shah, MD

Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Longevity for facelift results

Facelifts usually last for about 10 years. A facelift done on a 45-year-old person may last longer because the skin tone is much better than somebody who is 85 years old. The 85-year-old skin is very inelastic and will start to sag within the first few years after the procedure. The fact is that to determine how long a facelift will last include genetics, smoking, and sun exposure. Obviously when patients are overweight, fat deposits in the neck also will be present.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

+2

Longevity of a full facelift

The longevity of a facelift depends, to some degree, upon the extensiveness of the original procedure. For instance, a person who had forehead lift, lasering, eyelid lift and lipografting would be expected to have a longer lasting lift when compared to a person who had a short-incision lift of the face only with no work done to the eyes or neck and only some lasering. In general you get permanent improvement, but nothing can stop the clock. We can only set it back. Other factors that... more
Deason Dunagan, MD

Huntsville Plastic Surgeon
+2

Longevity of face lift

Face lift reposition the structures under the skin to their right position, removs excess skin, repair seperated muscles. The longivity depend on the technique used, and how fast we age. Each one of us ages differently and in different zones of the face. In general, face lift results should last 8-10 years. in some people much less before they need a toutch up.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

Facelift longevity

I always explain to my patients that aging is not a steady process when it comes to skin elasticity and facial volume. Onset of menopause, weight swings and skin damage from sun exposure all are factors that can effect the appearance of your face both before and after a facelift affecting the longevity of your improved appearance. I have found that the majority of my patients who have returned for a secondary facelift come back to my office after 11 years (range 8 to 16 years). That... more
Jon A. Perlman, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

SMAS Facelift lasts 7-10 years in general

Everything is relative and variable. All patients are of course different. On average though, I let my potential patients know that a facelift will last approximately 7-10 years. This is when the SMAS is treated. Simply doing a skin lift is most often a waste of time and money for the patient. We can not stop aging, but a well done facelifting procedure will leave the patient always looking that much better than having never done the procedure in the first place. As I am sure you have read... more
Amiya Prasad, MD

New York Oculoplastic Surgeon

www.prasadcosmeticsurgery.com

+2

Well-executed Facelift benefits for life

Patients who have well executed facelifts will benefit from them for life. This does not mean that the features are frozen in time, just that the aging appearace is ratcheded back a decade or so. Obviously, the initial magnitude of benefit will be dependent upon the surgeon, the technique, the quality of the patient's skin, and other variables. Most "lesser" lifts are poor substitutes for a well-executed thorough operation. The vast majority of patients who have facelifts do so... more
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+2

An interesting question

Facial rejuvenation by facelift if one of the most powerful tools we have as plastic surgeons. But there are a lot of factors that first determine the initial result then determine the longevity of the result. Initially how ptotic and face is, especially the neck, and what the quality of the skin is like plays a significant role in the acute outcome. Often these factors are due to genetics, diet, weight, sun damage and skin care. So these factors come into play again as you continue to... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon
+2

Some surgeons say they last a lifetime. If you look at a...

Some surgeons say they last a lifetime. If you look at a patient that had a facelift years out and then were able to look at the same exact patient that didn't have a facelift years out, the facelift patient would still have signs of improvement 10 or even 20 years out. I tell my patients that it is difficult to predict how long a facelift will last because there are so many variables ( including: age of the patient, skin quality, technique, smoking and health history), but will most... more
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+2

In general, a facelift performed properly can last 10...

In general, a facelift performed properly can last 10 years or more, but this is a very rough estimate, as there are multiple factors involved, including: the surgeon's technique the patient's age and skin quality how the patient cares for themselves after surgery (good diet and exercise, using sunblock, no smoking) genetics (how the person ages overall) A good rule of thumb though is that if the patient is in good health and has good quality skin before surgery, they have an excellent... more
Shahram Salemy, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift Should Last 4-20 years- with a lot of "buts" involved.

There are a ton of facelift surgical options, so this is a difficult question to answer. However, the length it lasts is highly variable, and depends on things you can control, and things you can't control. Things you can't control include- your skin type and genetics, how your body responds to surgery, how much scar tissue your body generates, weight loss or gain in the past, your neck muscles and how active they are, and other factors... more
Roy Kim, MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
+1

A Facelift Lasts Forever

I knew that would catch your attention but in many ways this is a true statement. The short answer is that a facelift turns back the hands of time but the biological aging clock keeps on ticking. It is forever turned back however to a "younger time". Say for example that you are an identical twin and you had the surgery but your twin did not - then you would always be the younger ones by so many years. How fast the clock ticks is dependent on many factors including... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Duration of a facelift

The longevity of a face lift depends on many factors including how you age, weight stability and smoke exposure. I think it's reasonable to assume that you might need a touchup or non-invasive methods in about five years which would extend the lasting effects of the proedure.
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

A Facelift lasts 7 to 10 years

Most facelifts these days are treated by tightening the SMAS layer.  When they are performed in this manner they should last 7 - 10 years.  However, there are instances where the facial skin may have lost elasticity and can result in shorter term results. Facelifting procedures can be performed as neccessary, that is to say there isn't a "limit" to the number of procedures one can have.  These days, we find that patients with healthier skin seem to enjoy... more
Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD

Cincinnati Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.351face.com

+1

How long does a facelift last?

If you get a good modern Facelift (not a mini or a lifestyle lift) it should last around 8 to 10 years. You will continue to age naturally. Finding a good Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is the key to having a great Facelift.  Look closely to their before and after pictures. This will help you to see what kind of results they can offer you. Good Luck!
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+1

How long a facelift lasts

The results of a well done facelift should last a lifetime, however from the time the facelift is done the aging process continues and therefore the effects of aging on a patients tissues will continue.  Several other factors also are important to the length of any persons results.  Increased patients age, history of sun exposure, smoking history, history of large swings in weight will all decrease the elasticity and strength of a patients skin and shorten the  time of... more
Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD

Boston Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelifts can rejuvenate the face for a long time

The length of the correction varies with the procedure and the patient.  A Facelift will not have as long a result as a traditional face lift.  Some patients depending on the skin type will not have as durable result.  It is best to inform a patient that a standard Facelift lasts about 10 years.
Robert Mounsey, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long to expect a facelift to last

A lot of this will depend on the patient.  I tell patients they will always look better than if they didn't have a facelift but their skin and soft tissue does continue to age.  A patient who has a facelift at a relatively younger skin and tissue age, without alot of excess skin and fat, and not much sun exposure should expect the lift to last at least 10 years. A patient in their 70's with a turkey gobbler deformity and lots of extra skin may need a tightening or... more
Steven Schuster, MD

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon
+1

How long a facelift lasts

This is the most common question I get asked by patients in my practice. It depends on the surgeon technique and experience, but it is really determined also by the amount of stress that the patient has in life. We tend to age in blocks of 7-10 years. If we have added stress in our lives then we age faster (every 3-5 years). My perfect example is to look at the presidents: Look at them in their first term; then look at the poor soul that make it a second term. They age more than the 8... more
Gustavo A. Diaz, MD

Charlotte Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Several factors affect facelift longevity

Every person ages differently. Unfortunatley we cannot reverse the aging process but we can slow it down. So when a facelift is performed, although the patient looks better, the hands of time keep ticking. The longevity of a facelift will depend on several factors. Sun exposure, smoking and genetics are factors that may shorten the longevity of a facelift. Typically, a well done facelift should last 5 to 10 years. Best, Dr.S.
Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.facechange.org

+1

Good facelift will last a decade

Our experience, using the extended SMASplasty technique developed by Dr. Maas, provides patients with a 10 year duration of effect. This technique involves elevating the skin and subsequently the thick connective tissue under the skin and repositioning them in such a way as to restore youthful facial contour. Variations of this technique have been described by many surgeons and we have found consistent duration and effective natural results using this strategy. If you want longevity make... more
Corey S. Maas, MD

San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelifts last longer with lower aged individuals

In general, a facelift can last seven to ten years. For those who want or need a facelift in their late 40's the results typically last longer than the average since those individuals have greater elasticity and strength to their skin and supporting structures. Those results can last 15 to 20 years. Once you reach the 50's, typically your results will last about ten years. In your 60's the results are closer to the average of 7 to 10 years. In your 70's, I would only count on about 5 years... more
Scott Trimas, MD

Jacksonville Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

The longevity varies with the procedure, the surgeon, and the patient

The longevity of a facelift depends on many factors as you can see from the other answers. Primary factors are the skill of the surgeon and the technique used. Of equal importance are factors a patient brings to the table. Factors that definitely reduce facelift longevity are sun damage, acne scarring, heavy features and weight gains and losses.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Essentially, a facelift lasts forever since you would always look better after the facelift than you would otherwise.

Essentially, a facelift lasts forever since you would always look better after the facelift than you would otherwise.  By rejuvenating the face in this way, you are effectively turning back the clock so that your aging process is reset to a new starting point.  Depending on your age at the time of the procedure, skin type and facial contours, you may consider further rejuvenation in 8-12 years.
Michael R. Macdonald, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmmacdonald.com

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