How long does a skin only lift last? (photos)

Question

I have been researching different options to address skin laxity. I m really not interested in a full facelift, but in reading material about the mini, I am wondering if this might be a viable option. 68 years old, healthy and good skincare regime. These photos are from when I was a pdo thread training model in February, 2020. My question is: How long does a skin only lift last? I have had a plastic surgeon say one year but read 2-6 years. That is a considerable difference. ???

Phillip Chang, MD · Answer

Hi sashacharlesmartin

A mini facelift is temporary but you can take steps to prolong the effects:

- Stay out of the sun or wear protective clothing and a hat and very high SPF suncream
 - Avoid smoking
 - Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of vitamins, anti-oxidants. Limit sugary and processed foods
 - Hydrate! Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.
 - Use good anti-aging skincare. Look for products that include retinoids and vitamin C products
 - Consider your facial movements – preserve your collagen and limit stretching of the skin
- Consider injectables like Botox and facial fillers. They can help reduce muscle movement and plump up the skin to provide less movement
- Consider facial lasers such as Forever Young BBL, Micro Laser Peel, and the Profractional Laser. These can help smooth out skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and encourage collagen growth. To learn more about this procedure, please visit our website.

Cory Bovenzi, MD · Answer

Nowadays, no surgeons should really be doing a skin-only facelift since those results look unnatural with wide scars and don't address the underlying issue of muscle laxity. Mini facelifts still address the underlying muscle and would be a great option for you while minimizing downtime and would last close to 10 years.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

You need a lower face/neck minilift which lifts not only skin but muscle as well.  It is done under local with a little iv sedation for complete comfort.  Skin lifts alone don't last more than 3-6 months.  That is why LifeStylelifts went bankrupt.  Expect to pay roughly $15-20,000 for a great lift with natural results and dramatic results.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

A skin-only lift is a procedure that was performed when facelifts were first introduced. The procedure is limited to removing redundant skin without repositioning any of the underlying structure. In addition to not lasting long, these procedures produced a very unnatural, windswept appearance. I offer both a traditional facelift and a mini facelift, depending on the amount of correction each patient requires. Both procedures work into the deep structure (SMAS) to move muscle and fat to a very natural position before tightening the skin. Results from mini facelifts last 5-8 years. Always work with an experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon to ensure the best possible results.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There are many different names for facelifts but they share many things in common. I think it would be best to go on some consults and see what the different recommendation are. Then you can decide who you want to go with. Selection of the right surgeon is the most important decision.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

When facelifts were first done 100 years ago, it was skin only.  I would be surprised if you can find someone who would do that today as the results would last about 6 months.  You have to do some pull of the deeper tissues in addition to removing excess skin to get a  longer lasting result. There are different techniques for doing that, and different approaches to the length of the scar and amount of dissection.  Get a few opinions to make an informed decision.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

It appears from your photos that you may be a candidate for a Mini-Facelift. 
My favorite technique is the MACS short scar Mini-Facelift. Developed in Europe, it is the ideal approach for the younger patient, not ready for a full facelift, or patients who desire a less invasive procedure with a shorter recovery time. It addresses both the mid face area (especially the jowls) as well as the neck, if needed. 
This technique is not just a short scar face lift that removes skin only. Underlying muscle and fascia of the neck and mid face are also tightened utilizing suture technique. This increases longevity of the results. I have enjoyed performing this procedure for over 10 years and it lasts at least 7 to 10 years in most patients who continue to take good care of their skin. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to explore the best options for you.  Good luck.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

we all age differently. When analyzing the face for aging, one has to consider the skin, the fat and enveloping SMAS, the muscles, and the bone based on the science and art of evaluating the aging face.
Then consider what are the patient's goals and desires.
Skin only facelifts are the original facelifts which may last 6-12 month then can do another and another til the face looks as if in a wind tunnel. There are no short cuts. Short scar facelifts (mini facelifts) should be done with a SMAS lift.Based on the pictures posted there are many aging issues. What is important is to write down what bothers you and what you want to achieve. The surgeon then can inform you of what each type f facelift can and cannot achieve. Anybody can do a skin only facelift, but is it the right thing for you? A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can analyze the face and discuss all your options.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Performing a skin only facelift would  not last very long, and  would probably make you look stretched and wind tunneled.  In our practice, we perform a high-SMAS lower face and neck lift which is a comprehensive rejuvenation of the face and neck. During this procedure, the  jowls are lifted, fat deposits are removed from the neck, loose facial and neck muscles are tightened to keep the tension off of the skin that you don't look pulled and over tightened. The skin is also tightened as well, but very conservatively.