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

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