Why do some facelifts not last and others do? And why do some look more dramatic?

Thank you for the great question. First of all, it has to be understood that there are many variables involved which I will enumerate and the fact that a deep plane facelift will not stop the aging clock (which moves faster for some). The variables include: 1) Individual Surgeon: look for at least 2 decades of experience and/or at least 1500 facelifts, 2) Technique: a true deep plane facelift is maximizing elevation and repositioning, so there is literally nothing else that can be done to lift the jowls. In my experience, deep plane facelift results are superior to and have greater longevity than other techniques, 3) Starting patient indications: some patients have much more substantial aging changes), 4) Patient tendency to fluctuate in weight: adversely affects facelift results), 5) Patient lifestyle and stress: excess stress, a severe health issue, and/or an unhealthy lifestyle will accelerate aging.

Thank you for your question. It covers a multitude of aspects, and it is not possible to provide a definitive answer. Without doubt, there are differences in the way surgery is performed, as some surgeons have more skill and expertise than others. However, beyond surgical technique, the most significant factors influencing the outcome and longevity of a facelift seem to be related to soft tissue laxity and the weight of the tissues.

Individuals with a relatively low BMI generally have lighter soft tissues in the lower face. Consequently, if the surgical technique is the same, they tend to achieve and maintain better results compared to those with heavier tissues, which are more prone to being pulled down by gravity over time.

Another critical factor is sun damage, which significantly affects skin elasticity. Sun damage has an even greater impact on the loss of correction following a facelift than tissue weight. Regular use of sunblock, even if sun damage has already occurred, helps protect the remaining skin elasticity and can improve the longevity of facelift results.

Finally, it is important to consider whether you are comparing patients who underwent only a facelift or those who had additional procedures such as a neck lift, temporal lift, eyelid surgery, or fat transfer. Combined interventions can produce more dramatic changes but may not always be desired or suitable for every patient seeking facelift surgery.

Great question! The longevity and outcome of a DEEP PLANE FACELIFT depend on a few factors: your skin’s natural elasticity, the surgeon’s skill, lifestyle habits (like smoking or weight changes), and whether the goal was a subtle or dramatic result. Aging doesn’t stop, so some changes over time are normal.
What’s most important in this type of procedure is ENHANCING the patient’s Natural Features, not creating an overly “done” look... A skilled surgeon will work with your unique anatomy to achieve results that look natural, youthful, and balanced.