The one question asked by almost every patient who is interested in getting a facelift done is “how long does a facelift last?” Patients don’t see a point in getting something done if the results won’t give them what they want or expect.
Although facelift procedures do vary, there are factors that help maintain the lasting effects you want. There are also techniques that are used to help ensure great results.
If you want to know how long a facelift will last and what you can do to ensure those results will last for years to come, keep reading.
How Long Does a Facelift Last?
There are two things that affect the results of a facelift. They are things you can’t control and are nonmodifiable.
There are also things you can control which are modifiable.
Nonmodifiable Factors
Every person is different due to our genetic DNA. Because of this, every person ages differently, and one’s response to a surgical procedure like a facelift varies too. There are two nonmodifiable factors that will affect how long your facelift lasts: your genetics and skin.
The foods we eat and the activities we do are processed by the body in unique ways. The skin is no different. Those who are younger have more collagen and other factors that give them healthier, plumper skin.
Individuals who’re older or have skin damage will still get the benefit of a facelift, but the effect may not last as long. Even melanin plays an interesting role. People with darker skin tones may notice longer-lasting results than people with fairer skin due to variances in the ageing process.
Modifiable Factors
Who you choose to give you a facelift procedure matters. There are a few techniques surgeons use to achieve it, and those techniques vary by level of invasiveness. Usually, the more invasive, the longer the results.
When you select an experienced surgeon, they can choose a technique that best fits you. This way, you can achieve the most dramatic results.
You can expect mini facelifts to yield moderate results and last around 2-6 years. A full facelift can last up to 10-15 years.
Additional face procedures—such as blepharoplasty, a brow lift, fat grafting, or fillers—may assist the results too.
What you do once the procedure is done is important. Other tips to follow include the following:
- Optimize your lifestyle with diet and exercise
- Avoid alcohol
- Stop smoking
- Stick to a good skin care regimen
- Stay hydrated
- Use sun protection
- Follow aftercare instructions
- Opt for other non-surgical treatments (e.g., chemical peels, laser treatments, botox)
- Avoid sleeping on your side
- Get facial massages (after healing)
Ensuring Lasting Results
Getting a facelift is an expensive procedure, but it’s worth every penny when you achieve lasting results. Before you go under the knife, you may wonder, “How long does a facelift last?”
Sometimes there are factors, like your genetics, that are out of your control. This doesn’t mean you should throw in the towel. The modifiable factors that you CAN control help tremendously.
If you are concerned about wrinkles or ageing and want to appear more youthful and slow down the physical effects of time, you can contact us. We are here to answer your inquires, and we can book you a consultation at request.