Some doctors say that midface lift and temporal/brow lifts only actually last a short period of time. Is this true?

Question

Length of time a surgical forehead lift and midface lift generally last?

Muhsin Yilmaz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

It is true that the longevity can vary depending on the technique, the degree of tissue laxity and the individual patient. However, I would not say that a properly performed midface or temporal/brow lift only lasts a short time.
The key is how the deeper tissues are repositioned and supported, rather than simply pulling the skin. With an appropriate technique and good patient selection, the results can last for many years. Of course, aging continues naturally, so no facelift or lift can stop the aging process permanently.

Serdar Bora Bayraktaroglu, MD · Answer

A surgical midface lift and temporal/brow lift are permanent anatomical procedures; they do not wear off like temporary injectables. Once deeper tissues are repositioned and healed, you will permanently look younger than your unoperated baseline. However, surgeons mention a limited "lifespan" because ongoing natural aging and gravity continue. Over 8 to 12 years, gradual tissue laxity and skin aging return. While the mechanical elevation is lasting, the surgery resets your aging clock by about a decade rather than stopping time entirely. Maintenance depends on genetics, skin quality, and lifestyle.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

A well-planned forehead, brow, temporal, or midface lift should not disappear in a few months, but it also does not freeze the aging process. Most patients keep some improvement for years, while the exact duration depends on the technique, fixation strength, tissue quality, skin elasticity, facial anatomy, weight changes, sun damage, and smoking.

As a broad estimate, surgical brow or forehead lift results often last several years and may remain noticeable for 5 to 10 years or more in the right patient. Temporal lifts and midface lifts can be more variable because they work on mobile tissues and are sometimes performed with smaller, more limited dissections. Some early settling is normal, and less aggressive lifts may look subtle or fade sooner. The best question for a consultation is not just how long it lasts, but whether the procedure targets your specific problem and whether the expected change justifies the recovery and scars.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

These procedures can lead to suboptimal results if the retaining ligaments of the brow are not fully released.  The issue is that the release requires dissection near the temporal branch of the facial nerve and this can lead to weakness of the brow elevators.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. The devil is in the details on this question. In general, lifts can be categorized based on whether skin is being removed or not. (In a thread lift, for example, no skin is being removed). There are varieties of brow lifts and midface lifts that do not involve any skin removal. They may still be good procedures for the right person, but my belief is that if the wrong technique is chosen for the problem at hand, the results may be more likely to be disappointing or short-lived when no skin removal is involved.

Best,
Dr. Tower

Best,
Dr. Tower

Hayati Akbas, MD · Answer

Some doctors suggest that midface lifts and temporal/brow lifts may only provide short-term results, but this largely depends on individual factors and post-surgical care. In my experience, these procedures can last for a significant period when combined with proper aftercare, such as non-surgical treatments and PRP plasma injections, which help maintain and prolong the results.
For most of my patients, if they are good candidates, I recommend the Deep Plane facelift. This technique tends to provide more natural and longer-lasting results compared to traditional methods.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

The results and how long the surgery lasts depends on the person's facial anatomy and how quickly a person ages. The younger the patient, the longer a surgery lasts. This is due to the aging curve we are all on. In general, a mid face and brow lift lasts 7 to 10 years.

Michelle Lee, MD · Answer

Hi Natti! Thanks for the question. I wouldn't say that midface and/or brow lifts are short-lasting results. However, it depends on the patient and the technique used. Everyone's tissues are different, so one person's tissue may hold a lift longer than another's would. Typically, thin skin lacking elasticity (usually seen in older patients) might not hold a lift as long as young, thick skin would. Additionally, surgical techniques vary, but usually a "deep plane" approach allows for a longer-lasting result. On the other hand, lifts that are held only on the skin layer do not last long nor do they look natural. I hope this helps!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Regarding brow lifts, the results are usually quite permanent, and it's very rare for a patient to ever require revision brow lift in their lifetime. The midface does not descend vertically with the aging process, rather it loses volume. The best options are either cheek implants or fat grafting to add volume to the mid face cheek area.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It all depends of preoperative situation like skin and deep tissues laxity. When brow lift is properly fixed and secured in a position (like with endotine plates) one can expect long lasting result of 10-15 years. It also depends of the age when lift is performed. Hope this helps.

Some doctors say that midface lift and temporal/brow lifts only actually last a short period of time. Is this true?

Answers (15)

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