How long does a skin-only facelift last?

A skin-only facelift (without deep tissue or SMAS manipulation) that removes about 2 cm of skin on each side in the mid-face area generally provides limited and short-term results.

Many patients come to me and ask about different types of facelift surgery: SMAS, skin-only, deep plane, short scar, ponytail lift etc. There is not one answer that applies to all patients because every patient is, indeed, different. I've performed facelifts on identical twins, and guess what? They were not identical in their facelift needs. Certain areas of the face are improved with certain types of facelift approaches. So, for example, the jowls and marionette lines are best addressed with a deep-plane approach. The skin of the midface can benefit from a cutaneous approach. And the neck, with the resuspension of the SMAS. To answer your question specifically, it would depend on your age, the degree of sagging/aging, and the area you'd like to change.

Hi,

A skin-only facelift typically yields results that last around 2 to 5 years. The exact duration varies depending on factors like skin elasticity, age, lifestyle, and genetics. Since this technique doesn't address deeper facial tissues, the skin is solely responsible for sustaining the lift, which can lead to earlier signs of sagging due to the skin's natural tendency to stretch.

Patients seeking more enduring results might consider procedures that incorporate deeper tissue layers, such as the SMAS or deep plane facelifts, which can extend the longevity of the outcome to 10 years or more.

My comments and recommendations are solely based on your text and are subject to change. I always recommend a face-to-face consultation with a specialist to plan the treatment.

Best wishes, Dr. Surmeli.