How long does a mini-face lift last? (SMAS)

Mini-lifts, which I and many
surgeons perform, have their place and are beneficial in the appropriate
patient, but have significant limitations. They do not, however, produce the
same extent of improvement in a patient with a greater amount of skin laxity
and in those benefitting from a full facelift and neck rejuvenation. In spite
of a lot of marketing claims, you can’t get a maximum correction with a “mini”
procedure. 
The longevity of any face lifting procedure will be influenced by multiple factors beyond the type of facelift performed and the skill and expertise of the plastic surgeon: the extent of tissue elasticity and sagging, genetics, amount of sun damage, life style (smoking, significant weight fluctuations, excess dieting or exercise), general medical health and other adjunctive procedures (like fillers, Dysport or Botox, peels, skin care program) performed in conjunction with (the facelift or as ancillary maintenance procedures after the facelift.  
There are a variety of procedures that are called “facelifts” and :mini-lifts."  A well performed facelift which elevates and supports the deeper tissue of the face called the SMAS as well as removing the excess loose skin and adding appropriate amounts of volume to deficient areas of hollows and depressions not only turns back the clock, but also slow the aging process. However, the clock keeps ticking. Although aging continues after a facelift, you will always look younger than a twin, if you undergo the procedure and the twin does not, so in some ways the benefit is permanent. In general, most well performed facelifts turn the clock back 8-12 years. Minimal lifts will not produce as significant of an improvement nor will they last as long.  
Some surgeons claim that “Deep Plane Facelifts” last longer, but there is no valid scientific evidence to support those claims. I would suggest you find a
plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally
a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) that you
trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that
surgeon in person.Robert Singer, MD FACS
La
Jolla, California

The longevity of a facelift result, depends upon many factors, including, weight, fluctuations, smoking history, diabetes, sun exposure, age at the time of the procedure, etc. In a youthful, non-smoker, minimal sun damage, non-diabetic, who has a stable weight, a well done facelift using SMAS suspension to help lift the lax tissues, should last 5 to 7 years. However, nobody beats father time or gravity. They will always be some relaxation of the tissues over time so that at seven years, you will not look exactly like you did one month after surgery. however you will look better than if you didn’t have the procedure done in the first place. Touchups done to refresh the original result are far less extensive than the original procedure and help maintain your youthful appearance. In addition, noninvasive procedures, such as skin, tightening, fillers, and Botox can also help to maintain your result. Best wishes.

Hello and thank you for your question. Although the results from a mini facelift will typically last between 5-8 years, the longevity of a mini facelift varies from patient to patient. Skin, fat, and muscles continue to change after a mini facelift. Many variables are at work, including the original condition of your skin, facial muscle tone, genetics, and the quality of post-procedural care.