Did you know that, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were almost a quarter-million additional procedures performed in 2018 than in 2017? Both minimally invasive and surgical cosmetic procedures were on the rise for 5 years. Many people are now choosing to get these types of procedures. If you think you might want to be one of them and are thinking of getting a facelift, then you might be asking yourself: “How long does a facelift last?”

After all, if you’re going to get this procedure done, then you want to be sure that it lasts long enough for the investment to be worth it.

However, with so much information out there, you might be feeling overwhelmed. There are many different types of facelifts and the answer on how long each one lasts can vary significantly. How do you figure it out?

In this article, we’ll review everything you need to know about the facelift lifespan. That way, you can decide if this procedure is right for you. Finally, you can be confident and like yourself again. Read on to learn more.

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

The short answer to this question is that the lifespan of a facelift can vary depending on many factors; however, the common length is 10 years. These factors include genetics, skin condition, age, lifestyle, and your surgeon. Let’s review each of these now.

Genetics

Genetics can play a huge role in how long your facelift lasts. If you come from a family with darker skin, then your facelift is likely to last longer because darker skin doesn’t age as quickly. If, on the other hand, you have a pale complexion, it may last less time.

Additionally, there are certain genetic factors that will impact how old you look. For example, if you have grandparents whose skin sagged significantly, the facelift will last less time.

Your bone structure, as well as how your face is shaped in terms of muscle and fat, might also have an impact on the lifespan of a facelift.

To get an idea of how your genetics might play into the lifespan of your facelift, you can speak with your doctor about how your family has aged in the past, as well as about their facial structure and skin type.

Skin Condition

The condition of your skin also has an impact on how long your facelift will last. If you have any skin damage (for example, from an intense sunburn or some other type of exposure), then your facelift will last less time.

If you aren’t sure about how prior damage will impact the lifespan of your facelift, you can review this with your plastic surgeon to get an idea of what effects it may have.

Age

Your age can also have an impact on how long your facelift lasts. If you want it to last as long as possible, it’s best to get it before age 60. Facelifts that occur after this time will last less time because of the skin’s tendency to age faster later in life.

Lifestyle

Another factor that impacts how long your facelift lasts is your lifestyle. This includes your skincare regimen, exercise routine, and diet. If you have a lifestyle that’s generally balanced and healthy, your facelift will last longer than if you don’t.

Your Surgeon

As you can imagine, the experience of your plastic surgeon has an impact on how long your facelift will last. By working with a plastic surgeon who specializes in facelift procedures, you’ll get the longest-lasting facelift.

This is because the right surgeon will know what type of procedure is best for you, how to do it correctly, and whether there are any additional procedures you need that will make the results last even longer.

Facelift Options

Speaking of procedures…there are several different facelift options that last different lengths of time. Depending on the type of facelift you’re getting, it will last longer, be cheaper, or be less invasive. By knowing what your options are, you can decide which one is best for you.

Jaw Line Rejuvenation

A popular semi-facelift procedure is the jawline rejuvenation procedure. With this procedure, you revitalize your upper neck and jaw. Your surgeon will use liposuction to remove the excess fat from your neck. In doing this, they sculpt your jawline.

You can use the excess fat, if you want, for filling in the mid-face area or cheeks. This will give some youthful volume to this part of your face.

Because this is a less invasive procedure, this type of partial facelift won’t last as long as a traditional facelift.

Liquid Facelift

When you get a liquid facelift, your plastic surgeon will use injectable dermal fillers that are made from lactic acid calcium, hyaluronic acid, or hydroxyapatite to smooth folds and creases, plump up your lips, and fill in hollowing areas.

This is a non-surgical procedure, so while it will give you a more youthful appearance, it won’t last as long as an actual facelift.

Mini Facelift

A mini facelift is similar to a normal facelift, except it’s less invasive. The incisions are smaller. The surgeon will still be able to remove excess tissue and tighten the skin. Results are less dramatic and recovery time is less long.

If you’re a bit younger and don’t want a full facelift, this can be a good option. However, it will last less time than a traditional facelift.

The Traditional Facelift

Finally, there’s the traditional facelift. This is the most invasive procedure, where the plastic surgeon makes incisions below your chin, into your hairline, and around your ears. Because the skin is separated from the muscles the surgeon has more they can do.

In addition to tightening up your skin, they can also remove fat and suture together different parts of the muscle.

The result is a long-lasting, youthful look. If you have experienced significant or moderate aging, this can be the right choice for you.

The recovery time is around 10 days, though you can’t return to doing light exercise until 2 weeks after your surgery.

Because this is the most intense type of facelift, you’ll get most of the benefits of facelifts and it will last around 10 years.

Additional Procedures

Another factor that impacts how long your facelift lasts is the number and type of additional procedures you get. When you combine them with a facelift, you’ll not only look more youthful, but your facelift will also last longer.

These include browlift and eyelid surgery. Additionally, adding some fat can make a huge difference.

If you don’t add fat to your face when you get a facelift, you could end up with your face looking a bit thin. For this reason, it can be smart to include chin or cheek implants, fillers, and fat grafting when you’re getting your facelift done.

Tips for Making Your Facelift Last Longer

There are some things you can do to make your facelift last longer. These include following post-procedure instructions, being smart about sun exposure, selecting the right surgeon, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking.

Following Post-Procedure Instructions

If you don’t follow your post-procedure instructions, then you could end up messing up a lot of the work your surgeon did it. Make sure you rest as long as your supposed to and stay away from activities that could damage your facelift.

Additionally, show up for appointments so that you can maintain your facelift as best as possible.

Being Smart About Sun Exposure

One of the surest ways that you’ll age faster is by staying out in the sun too much. If you want to slow down the aging process after your facelift, you should use high SPF whenever you go out. It’s also smart to avoid the sun when it’s strongest.

Selecting the Right Surgeon

The surgeon you choose for your facelift will make a difference in how long your facelift lasts because they’ll do a better job at the surgery if they have the right experience and education. Choose a surgeon who has years of facelift experience and the right medical background.

Avoiding Alcohol

Alcohol can quickly age your skin for two reasons. First of all, it dehydrates your skin, making it look older. It also ruins the actual appearance and health of the skin on your face and can sometimes cause you to look bloated.

Quitting Smoking

Smoking cigarettes accelerates your body’s aging process and also alters your blood flow. These effects combined cause your face to look dull and develop wrinkles. There are already many reasons to quit smoking, but if you haven’t already, you should know.

It wouldn’t make sense to age and have your facelift last less time with this lethal habit.

Need More Information?

Now that we’ve answered the question, you might need additional information. Maybe you want help figuring out which of these many facelift procedure types is best for you.

Or maybe you’re interested in deciding which additional procedure you could combine with your facelift.

Whatever information you need, we can help. At Atlanta Face & Body, we’re experts when it comes to facelifts and other types of plastic surgery. We also offer plastic surgery services.

To learn more about how we can help you, contact us now.