How Long Does a Facelift Last?

If you look in the mirror and struggle to recognise the person staring back at you, a facelift could be an option. A facelift is a cosmetic procedure that can smooth folds around the face and neck, reduce sagging skin and give you a rejuvenated and more youthful appearance.

Although that might sound appealing, our patients often ask us, ‘How long does a facelift last?’ and ‘Will the wrinkles come back?’. In this guide, we discuss the longevity of different facelift procedures, the factors that can affect them and the steps you can take to maintain your facelift results for longer.

Are the results of a facelift permanent?

The results of a facelift are never permanent, regardless of your procedure type. The longevity of a facelift depends on the specific technique used and your unique characteristics, such as age and skin elasticity. Depending on the surgical technique, you can expect your facelift results to last between two to 10 years.

How long do different types of facelifts last?

There is not a single facelift procedure. Facelift is an umbrella term for several surgical techniques that reposition, tighten and remove skin, fat and muscle to reduce the visual signs of ageing in the face and neck.

As you can see from our facelift guide, there are at least five types of facelifts. At Enhance Medical, we perform the traditional facelift, best suited to patients in their 50s and 60s with significant signs of ageing. We also perform mini facelifts for younger patients with more moderate ageing.

Traditional facelift

A traditional facelift involves separating the skin from the underlying tissue, tightening the facial muscles and removing excess fat. We then stretch the skin back across the face and remove any excess. It provides the longest-lasting results of any facelift technique, and you’ll typically see the benefits for around 10 years.

Mini facelift

Less invasive than a traditional facelift, a mini facelift involves smaller incisions and less tissue removal. The results are less dramatic but can last between five and 10 years.

SMAS facelift

SMAS facelifts target the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, which are the muscles that connect the face and neck to the skin. It targets the lower face and neck to improve the appearance of jowls, sagging skin and wrinkles for seven to 10 years. It has a quicker recovery time than a traditional facelift but the results are more subtle, making it a good fit for younger patients who want to address the early signs of ageing.

Skin-only facelift

A skin-only facelift tightens and removes excess skin from the neck and lower face. It is minimally invasive as it targets the skin but not the muscles underneath it. The results are relatively short-lived, typically lasting around two to five years.

Mid-facelift

A mid-facelift is a targeted procedure that targets the area below the lower eyelids and around the cheeks. Fat is repositioned and skin is tightened around the cheekbones to eliminate sagging, lift the cheeks and smooth the contours. The results of this procedure usually last seven to 10 years.

What can impact the longevity of facelift results?

Nothing lasts forever, and as we’ve already discussed, your facelift results are no different. The staying power of your wrinkle-free appearance will fade over time due to numerous factors both inside and outside your control.

• • Skin elasticity – The elasticity of your skin, which is your skin’s ability to return to its normal state after being stretched, is determined by your age and genetics. If your family has a history of premature ageing, your facelift results may not last as long. The age at which you have the procedure also plays a part. Your skin loses its elasticity as you grow older. That’s why you’ll typically get a few more years out of your facelift if you have it at 50 rather than 70.

• • Lifestyle – Numerous lifestyle factors can impact the longevity of your facelift results. Not smoking is chief among them, as it reduces blood supply to the skin, damages its tone and dermal structure and increases wrinkle formation. Sun damage is something else to avoid. Excess UV light exposure damages the dermis and makes the skin thinner, which increases the formation of wrinkles. High levels of stress, an unhealthy diet and not getting enough sleep can also take their toll.

• • Skincare regime – Not having a proper and consistent skincare regime can also affect your facelift’s lifespan. Using poor-quality skincare products or overusing products that damage the skin’s natural barrier can be detrimental to the results.

• • The surgeon’s skill – Your choice of surgeon can also impact your facelift results. A facelift is one of the more complex cosmetic procedures, so you need a skilled surgeon with specific experience performing this treatment. They will focus on the aesthetic result, the structural integrity of the procedure and how it fits with your skin quality, facial structure and aesthetic goals. That rounded approach leads to longer-lasting outcomes.

Maximising the results of a facelift

Now you have a better understanding of what can impact the results of your facelift, it’s worth outlining the steps you can take after the procedure to keep your skin looking and feeling young and refreshed for as long as possible.

Firstly, you should always follow the post-surgery guidelines and aftercare plan given to you by your surgeon to avoid jeopardising the results of your facelift or harming your incisions. You should also do what you can to adopt a skin-friendly lifestyle. That includes not smoking, using sunscreen, avoiding excess alcohol, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep and eating a diet that contains plenty of protein, vitamins and antioxidants.

Sun damage is one of the leading causes of premature ageing, so always use a good quality sun cream with a high SPF and apply it to your face before going outside. You should also invest in good quality skincare products to wash, moisturise and nourish your skin. Always follow the instructions and be consistent with your skincare routine. Ingredients such as retinol and hyaluronic acid are two to look out for.

Signs that your facelift needs a touch-up

As time passes, you’ll see signs that your facelift results are starting to fade. You may see deepening wrinkles, sagging skin and a loss of facial fullness. You may also notice changes in your facial structure that alter the contours of your face.

When you do, there are several approaches you can take. Some patients choose to supplement their results with short-term measures such as injectable fillers, Botox and laser skin surfacing.

For longer-term results, you can discuss your options with a cosmetic surgeon. It’s common for patients to have another facelift a decade or so after the first. It may even be possible to have a third, although there is a limit to the number of treatments you can have while achieving natural-looking results.

High-quality facelifts at Enhance Medical

For a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing facelift procedure, contact the team at Enhance Medical. Our experienced surgeons operate from state-of-the-art clinics in locations throughout the country. Please call 0800 060 8623 if you have any questions or book a free consultation to discuss how we can achieve the best possible outcome from your facelift in a pressure-free environment.