How Long Does a Deep Plane Facelift Last?

Gabrielle,
A properly done deep plane facelift is one that suspends the tissues that have sagged by their deeper tissues (rather than the skin which is the quick recovery procedure that you'll see on tv or in ads everyday). These operations require more recovery but they are also significantly longer lasting assuming they are done properly. They don't expire in their duration, in other words you simply can't state a longevity to go by like you could these other skin stretches.
These operations that suspend the deeper structures after dissecting them out will simply turn back the clock and you live on daylight savings time. You'll continue to age of course, but the changes are permanent. That is one of the great advantages of this operation that is much more difficult to perform and requires more recovery... it's an actual fix. Otherwise, we'd all be doing skin stretching facelifts every year or so to keep things up. That's a more profitable model but the skin sagging is not the only problem, it's all of the tissues sagging. Not only do they need filling but they need to be suspended properly.
Once the skin sags it it telling you that it's quality is such that you can't rely on it to hold up it's own weight. Cutting out some extra skin and sewing it to itself will predicably fail with a widened scar and a pulled, funky look. This is why the deep plane procedures were described. There are not many deep plane performing plastic surgeons but if you ask around you'll find one. The philosophy is something to be considered by every prospective facelift patient.
Best Wishes,
DoctorMeade

Generally speaking, it is hard to define exactly how long a facelifting procedure lasts.  Clearly, facelifts that last the longest are those that suport the underlying tissues, especially the SMAS layer. A great review of the types of faceliftng procedures can be found in the books written on this subject.

SMAS and deep plane facelifting generally last much longer than simple "skin onluy" lifts such as thread lifts, lifestyle lifts and similar skin only facelifting techniques.

A deep plane facelift typically offers long-lasting results, with most patients seeing improvements that last between 7 to 10 years. While you will continue to age naturally after the procedure, the changes made by the surgery are permanent in terms of repositioning your facial tissues to a more youthful position. This means that even as you age, you will still appear younger than if you had not undergone the surgery. However, some patients may seek a touch-up procedure after years to address any further sagging or age-related changes.


The longevity of the results can vary depending on factors like your genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits. For example, smoking, sun exposure, or poor skin elasticity may impact how long the results last and your perceived age. In general, a facelift is one of the most effective and durable techniques available, providing a significant and lasting improvement to the overall appearance of the face.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

This is tough question to answer. When we move the tissues on your face to a better more youthful position, they are moved and that is your new starting point. Then you continue to age. Some people age more rapidly than others. If you smoke, have lots of sun exposure, etc then your tissues will not be as strong and your results won't seem to last as long. If you are blessed with good genetics you will age more slowly and your facelift will last 20 years or more. I've seen people 20 years later who still look amazing, and some who need a little boost 5 years later. However, you will always be younger looking than if you didn't do it!

The results are technically permanent. Patients having deep plane facelift will always look younger than they otherwise would without the facelift. However, you will continue to age. I tell patients to expect 10-15 years or longevity out of a deep plane facelift. The procedure may be repeated at that time depending on the patients health status and desire to make additional improvements.

A well performed facelift will provide you with long-lasting benefits. This means that you should always look better after your lift than you would without it. The main advantage of the deep plane technique is not necessary in the longevity but in the aesthetic outcome. Release of tethering facial ligaments allow for a more wholesome repositioning of the face leading to a better look. Durability of the deep plane facelift should not be inferior to traditional facelifts. 

There is variation but typically a deep plane lift is expected to "last" 7-10 years or longer, in that it will likely be that long before you are back  to where you started. You will always look better than if you had nothing done, as skin is permanently removed. Your face continues to age, however, as influenced by genetics, sun exposure, and any smoking.Hope that helps and best wishes, Dr. Donath  

Thank you for your question.  This is a question we hear quite often from our patients.  We typically will say that a well executed deep plane facelift should "turn back the clock" about 10 years.  From that point on you will continue to age as you normally did before.  However, you should always look more refreshed and youthful than before  surgery.  Sometimes, after the 10 year mark, a touchup procedure will be needed.  These are very general guidelines, and there are many other factors that will determine the longevity of your facelift.  These would include the type of facelift performed, the elasticity and health of your facial skin, and how well you heal after procedures.I would suggest that you consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who has experience with the deep plane facelift.  Here you will have a full evaluation and be able to discuss your goals for surgery.I hope that this helps!–David Gilpin

Properly performed Deep Plane Facelift can take 8 up to 12 years off your appearance, but it can not stop the process of natural aging. A well done facelift should last your lifetime in the sense that if you have it done, the new you will always look better than if you hadn't had it done. It is also important to clarify the term Deep Plane. Deep plane facelift is a version of SMAS facelift technique. It is a category of modern extensive facelifts, such as Composite, Deep plane, High SMAS, Extended SMAS, SMAS platysma, SMASectomy, etc.There are  nuances to these techniques. Each one should be evaluated on an individual basis. A plastic surgeon will tailor components to the individual patient. 

So I like to think of it like this:  You will continue to age, but it kicks you onto a different curve.  If could graph "looks good" versus "time", it would put you onto a different line.As opposed to something like Botox, which outs you on a different line, but when it wears off you return to the original like which you were on.  A Facelift should NOT "wear off" in that sense.

This is a question that is asked frequently.  A good deep-plane face lift should last about 8 years or so.  However, you will continue to age and some point you will look nearly the sam, but 8 years or so younger than you current age.  If you what try to look the same year after year you will require more facelift surgery. Remember, it doesn't stop the aging process.