How Long Does a Facelift Last?

These are averages for what patients report after their surgery.

Threadlifts: Most patients notice a benefit for 6 months to 1 year. No permanent benefit is usually noted since the tissues usually slide past the sutures. In all cases when we have removed threads during revision procedures, the sutures have held no tension and were often quite loose. The data are not fully in on Endotine lifts performed with undermining (lifts performed with a self dissolving device that hooks onto the cheeks or brow), but the longevity is likely to be longer than for threadlifts with no undermining.

Minilifts: Most patients notice a benefit of 2-4 years. If tissue is undermined and advanced and sutured it to a new position, there will likely be a permanent, lifelong benefit from this procedure and the procedures listed below this; patients are always "ahead of the game" by a certain amount, although of course the face continues to age.

Revision facelifts: 2-7 years. Since some of the advancement of the tissue has already occurred, revision facelifts generally do not achieve the rejuvenation effects of a first time lift. However, the ability of a cleverly done revision facelift to restore a natural unoperated, youthful appearance can be transformative.

Facelift skin only: 3-6 years average

Facelift with SMAS treatment and volume restoration (i.e. LiveFill or fat injection): Most patients notice 5-8 years in improvement, less in young patients with minimal aging signs, more in older patients who have several ancillary procedures done at the same time.

Facelift with SMAS treatment and volume restoration with many ancillary procedures (face, eyes, brow, lip lifts, LiveFill, Neck-Lace, conservative CO2 laser i.e. 360 Facelift). Many patients report 8-12 years of rejuvenation or more.

A natural reduction in aging does not result from tightening alone. The more clues of aging that are reduced, the better and more harmonious the appearance. Patients with well performed facial plastic surgery appear younger, but also prettier (or more handsome), if facial beauty and balance are enhanced through ancillary procedures in an addition to the usual tightening.

Here is the dilemma:  if a patient gets a well done facelift, but for example ignores volume losses, aging eyes, aging skin tone, yes, the result is better but it is not complete.

That is why the best and longest lasting results, by far, are with a facelift expertly done combined by a number of carefully chosen ancillary procedures.  In the right hands, this combined approach of facelift plus ancillary procedures also produces the most believable youth.  

Great question!
Most surgeons will quote that a facelift "lasts" for about 10-15 years. I think this can be a bit confusing for patients as it doesn't immediately revert to how things were before surgery at the 10-15 year mark. I like to think of this more in terms of aging as a car going down a hill and surgery resets and puts a brake on the car for about 10-15 years before resuming its slow descent.
As far as how long the facelift lasts depends alot on your surgeon and their chosen technique. Something like a deep plane facelift that utilizes the muscular/SMAS strength layers for the lift is likely to last longer than a mini lift or something that doesn't address the deeper layers of the face.
Hope this helps!Kyle Kimura, MD

Facelift results should last 10 years, if done at an earlier age and you have healthy skin habits.Technique and surgeons make a difference too. As a matter of fact, these are essential in achieving longevity of the results. Some patients who are older can benefit from another lift a couple of years earlier, others can wait 12. Remember that you will always look younger for the rest of your life if you get a proper lift.
Mini lifts don't last long. Avoid them if you can. Lasers and injectables will help you until you can get a proper lift, we have many technologies that can help, from internal to external radiofrequency and ultrasound to lasers.