How long does a skin-only facelift last?

Question

How long last a skin only facelift that removes only 2 cm of skin in mid face in each side of face

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

The number of centimeters of skin removed does not reliably predict how long the result will last. A skin-only facelift depends mainly on skin tension rather than deeper SMAS or deep-plane support, so the result is usually more modest and can relax sooner than a structural facelift. Some improvement may last for years, but visible softening can also occur within the first year, depending on skin quality, age, weight changes, sun damage, smoking, and how much laxity was present before surgery.

If only a small amount of midface skin is being removed, it may be appropriate for very mild looseness, but it should not be expected to correct significant jowling, neck laxity, or deeper facial descent. It is worth asking your surgeon exactly what layer is being tightened, where the scars will sit, how much tension will be placed on the skin, and whether a SMAS plication, deep-plane lift, or neck work would be more durable for your anatomy. Over-tightening the skin to make a skin-only lift last longer can increase the risk of widened scars, distortion, and an unnatural pulled look.

Ali Cetinkaya, MD · Answer

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.

Mehmet Surmeli, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

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.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I appreciate your concerns and you must understand that very few board-certified plastic surgeons. find any indication to do a skin only facelift. In either a full facelift or mini facelift, it is advantageous to tighten the fascia and muscle below the mid face and neck regions to attain the best result and longevity. Come see me or an another board certified plastic surgeon in our area to explore the best options for you. Best of luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

A lot depends on your age and how much skin laxity  you have.  Without photos it is hard to get specific.

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It all depends on the quality of your skin. A young skin on a thin person who does not smoke and has no sun damage will last much longer than a heavy face, older person with sun damage and smoker.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Much more information is needed, such as your age, and a full set of facial photographs from all angles in a chin neutral position to make a determination about being a candidate for a facelift procedure. If you are trying to do a skin only facelift, you're doing a pre-1973 style lift it will be very short-lived and a waste of time and money. It's very important to not put any tension on the skin itself, but only on the muscle structure and the SMAS underneath the skin for optimum healing.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

It really depends on you, how much skin you have, the quality of your skin, your health, etc.  However, it can range from just a few months to a couple of years.

Ignacio De Las Fuentes, MD · Answer

There's a big difference between a skin-only facelift and a deep plane facelift, or SMAS facelift. The main problem with a skin-only facelift is that the result isn't optimal. Pulling only the skin creates tension in the scar, and it's very likely that not only will you not get a good result, but the scars will also become thick and noticeable. No plastic surgeon expert in facial surgery would recommend a facelift where only excess skin is removed. I recommend you find a good plastic surgeon who is an expert in facial surgery, with whom you can be sure of good results.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

How long does a skin-only facelift last?

Answers (13)

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