How Long Does a Facelift Last? Results, Longevity, and Tips to Maintain Them

If common signs of aging are starting to impact the look and feel of your lower face and neck, you may consider a facelift. A facelift is an innovative surgical procedure that helps tighten facial muscles and reduce the appearance of sagging skin. Many individuals who get a facelift are looking for a total facial rejuvenation or want to address multiple signs of aging. Facelift results are natural-looking and long-lasting. However, this isn’t a permanent solution for anti-aging.

If you’re considering the procedure, you might be wondering, “How long does a facelift last?” In this article, we’ll explore the different types of facelifts, their results, and what impacts their longevity. Here’s everything you need to know.

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

A standard facelift can last around seven to ten years with proper aftercare and advanced surgical techniques. During a clinical trial that assessed the long-term results of a facelift during a 5.5 year period, 76% of individuals who received a facelift looked younger than they did before the facelift.

Several factors could impact the facelift results and how long they last. That’s why it’s important to consider who you go to for the procedure. The longevity of the results will also depend on the type of facelift and your current age. Standard facelift results last longer than a mini facelift. However, the recovery process is much quicker for a mini facelift.

At Toronto Plastic Surgeons, we have helped countless individuals rejuvenate their appearance with different facelift procedures. The average lifespan of results for our patients is around seven to ten years. After the procedure, we send our patients home with aftercare instructions so they can extend the longevity of their results with proper aftercare.

While a modern facelift can help rejuvenate your appearance, it can’t stop the aging process. As you age, you may notice subtle signs of aging, which is normal. You can reduce the appearance of wrinkles with touch-ups, Botox, or skincare products.

Factors Influencing Facelift Longevity

Several factors can influence how long your facelift lasts. While proper aftercare can help extend the longevity of your results, you’ll also need to consider the following:

Skin Quality and Elasticity

The older you get, the less collagen and elastin your skin produces. This can cause your skin to sag over time. Your skin may also appear leathery if you spend too much time in the sun or do not use skincare.

Genetics and outside factors can also impact your skin quality and the durability of the facelift results. Prolonged exposure to the sun without sunscreen can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It can also impact your skin’s integrity.

Unfortunately, most changes in skin quality and elasticity aren’t preventable. While you can protect your skin from environmental stressors and outside factors with skincare products and treatments, you can’t slow the aging process or change your genetics.

A plastic surgeon will analyze your skin and provide expert recommendations during your consultation. They’ll also help you set realistic goals for your desired outcomes.

Lifestyle Habits

Certain lifestyle habits can also affect the longevity of your results. Smoking, excessive drinking, and obesity can impact your appearance and speed up the aging process.

Poor posture can impact your appearance and self-esteem. Focusing on achieving a healthier posture during your day-to-day can help you avoid sagging skin in your lower face. It can also help make your chin look more defined.

Another common contributor is stress levels caused by inadequate sleep patterns. Sleep deprivation can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. It can also lead to dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.

Surgeon Expertise

The surgeon you choose for your procedure is one of the most important parts of the process. Their level of skill and attention to detail will dictate your results. Their expertise is also critical to ensuring you achieve long-lasting results. Dr. Thomas Bell at TPS Clinics has over 25 years of experience. He’s here to ensure you get the best possible facelift results and have the proper aftercare plan to extend the results.

Mini Facelifts vs. Standard Facelifts: Which Lasts Longer?

A mini facelift is a great surgical option if most of your insecurities are in your lower face. Mini facelift is a less invasive treatment that requires less downtime. However, the results typically only last around five to seven years. You may also need touch-ups to maintain your results.

A standard facelift targets signs of aging in the neck and lower face area. During the procedure, a plastic surgeon will lift and remove excess skin, helping you achieve a more tightened appearance. Patients will need at least two to four weeks to fully recover from the procedure, but the results will last anywhere from 10-15 years.

When exploring the available options, consider your insecurities, goals, and how much downtime you have for the recovery process. A plastic surgeon will make expert recommendations depending on your unique needs during your initial consultation.

Tips to Prolong Facelift Results

After your procedure and recovery, there are ways you can improve your daily routine to extend the longevity of your facelift results. Some easy ways to do so include:

Follow Your Surgeon’s Aftercare Plan

The aftercare plan is vital to your recovery phase. Following it can help speed up the healing and recovery process. It will also help avoid unwanted risks like blood clots or improper wound healing.

Regular Skincare Routine

Once you’ve fully healed from the facelift, you’ll want to ensure you’re maintaining a daily skincare routine. Your routine should include a daily sunscreen and moisturizer. This will help lock in hydration and protect your skin from environmental stressors.

You can also consider incorporating a serum or a more targeted solution to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide are great anti-aging ingredients to look for.

Scheduling Follow-ups 

Scheduling follow-ups will ensure everything is healing properly after the procedure. This is also a great time to address any questions or concerns about how long a facelift lasts and what you can do to extend the results.

Fillers or Botox

Filler and Botox are great maintenance treatments to address pesky fine lines or wrinkles. This is a great way to preserve your youthful complexion and enhance your natural beauty.

Why Choose TPS Clinic for Your Facelift?

The team at TPS Clinic is a trusted provider of facelifts in the Toronto area. Dr. Thomas Bell has hands-on experience with this procedure and is here to develop a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your goals and needs.

With our personalized aftercare, modern techniques, and state-of-the-art facilities, you can look forward to an unmatched experience and natural-looking results that enhance your confidence. Contact us today for a free consultation.