Is it true that the sagginess will come that fast after a facelift in my early 40s?

The real answer is "depends on who you ask...".  I prefer facelifting in younger patients 40s for three reasons: 1) You enjoy your results earlier...instead of waiting to get it done later. 2) When you are younger, your result generally lasts longer because tissue will always "sag" at some point (fact of life).  If you do it earlier, you are ahead of the curve. 3) If you ever need or desire a revision later, it's a smaller operation because the underlying tissue has already been lifted.  The REAL answer to the question of "How long does a facelift last?" is this: IT LASTS FOREVER, because the lifting/tightening/suturing/scarring/remodeling/healing are permanent. But YOU continue to age.

There has been a clear shift in my clients timing of facial rejuvenation over my 15 plus years of practice. When I started practicing clients were typically in the mid to late 50's with obvious signs of aging like jowls and banding in the neck. The before and after transformations were dramatic.Today my clients are younger with early signs of facial aging and the prevalent feeling is they want to maintain their youthful appearance as long as possible. They are generally healthier at the time of surgery which makes recovery easier.A well done facelift should yield long term results regardless of the age at which it is done. Aging is a continuing process but you will always look younger than if it was never done.Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon preferably with advanced training in facial aesthetics to evaluate you and provide additional information specific to you.Good luck and I hope this was helpful.

Thank you for your question, we usually tell our patients that they may want to repeat a facelift procedure in about 7-10 years, or longer. You can have more then one lift and I have done many second lifts on patients throughout their lifetime. After surgery you will continue to age and with ageing comes sagging skin- that is normal and to be expected. The specific patient, their skin elasticity, and the lifestyle will all play a role in when a patient decides to do surgery again and when the sagging will return.

If you have failed to respond to fillers and minimally invasive methods, then it is appropriate to consider some form of facelift. Unfortunately, a mini lift type of procedure that involves suture tightening of the deeper layers without actually releasing them will tend to relapse as the sutures pull through the tissues over time. Mini lifts or neck lifts, that involve release of the deeper layers where there is relaxation, can offer an accelerated recovery and still give a long-term result. In my experience, lower facelifts through a deep plane approach last 12-15 years in younger patients on average (based on the average time before a patient returns for a second procedure), and can be done 3 or even 4 times without resulting in a pulled or tight look. However, it is true that if the deeper layers are not completely released, repeated procedures can result in an operated-on appearance.

It could be a facial nerve injury that has occurred. If the nerve is
just stretched it may be improved, but if it is severed, it may be
irreversible.

a facelift will typically last ten years although you will continue to age during that time.  That's unavoidable.  The other things you mention are a waste of money.  Better to put that money toward a well done facelift.

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately without before and after photos it is difficult to give you a great answer. It concerns me your surgeon said a face lift will only last 3 years and you cannot have another face lift after that. Most face lifts last 10 years or more and can easily be repeated as you continue to age. Since you are in your 40’s, you will probably need at least one more face lift in your lifetime. Because of these statements made by your surgeon, I would highly recommend another opinion by a surgeon who is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon. Surgeons who are ASAPS members specialize in aesthetic procedures such as facial rejuvenation. Your surgeon will review your health history and examine you to discuss your available options. Best of luck.

Aniother facelift can always follow a primary lift. Most lifts last longer than 3 years. You might want to seek other opinions.

Hi sara,  Sagging can occur after 3 years depending on the type of facelift that was done. If skin alone was lifted, then the likelihood is increased that you would need another lift in 3 years. Deep muscle work gives a longer lasting result.   There is no reason why you could not have a facelift more than once in your lifetime if you are in good health and if the skin has not already been stretched too tightly.Hope this helps.Best,Dr.Christine Rodgers 

It is true that you will develop more descent on your face as you will continue to age.  A rejuvenation procedure will reset the clock for aging but does not stop it's progression.
In regards to how long your results last, this will vary depending on the procedure you undergo.  If you have a "skin-only" facelift where only the skin is pulled and removed, the results are unlikely to last as long as having a facelift involving tightening of the SMAS layer.  
Additionally, people are able to get multiple facelifts and secondary facelifts are not uncommon.  The one thing to think about is that the repeat procedure can sometimes be more technically demanding if there is a lot of scar tissue.  Do your research and find an experience Plastic Surgeon who can explain to you the different facelift techniques and what the realistic expectations are for them.