Does firm thick skin not get as dramatic improvement from facelift as thin damaged skin would??

While you may not get as dramatic a result as some other patients, that doesn't mean that a facelift is not worthwhile in your case.  The cast majority of facelift oatients are quite pleased with their results and many I refer a more subtle result anyway.

Every face can show improvement. Some more dramatic than others. Your doctor is right, thicker skin is less mobile and will not demonstrate as big an improvement as you might like. So the key is to set your expectations properly. With the right expectations, plastic surgery can work for anybody. (Next time post a picture for more detailed advice). I wish you the best. DrA