When it comes to defying the signs of aging, men and women are given several options, both surgical and non-surgical. For surgical options, a full facelift remains a top choice because it has been proven effective in making patients look years younger; at least a decade younger as some patients attest.
Most patients who undergo a surgical facelift didn’t come to the decision lightly. It usually takes months, even years, for patients to finally decide to go under the knife to look younger and regain their confidence. That said, one of the most common things first-time patients wish to know about the procedure is how long results will last and whether it can delay the actual aging process.
Here are a few important things to know about facelift results:
1. They can last for years
Results from a surgical facelift are long-term, at least when compared to non-surgical procedures that tighten skin to give it a “lift.” As for how many years results last, it depends on the type of facelift. With a full lift, results can last up to 20 years for most patients. With a mini facelift, results usually last for about ten years; after which, the patient may decide to undergo another mini lift or go for the full lift this time.
Note: A mini lift is ideal for patients in their late 30’s or 40’s who are experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity on the lower part of the face. Usually, patients choose a mini lift first to help them decide later whether to undergo a full facelift.
2. They will not delay the aging process
While results last for two decades on average, this has no impact on your body’s natural aging process. What this basically means is that after a facelift, your face will still age as it should, following its physiological clock, if you will. However, the effects may not be as apparent or visible as before your facelift. Once results start to fade, these signs of aging will gradually become noticeable once more.
3. Your facelift aftercare affects how long results last
It’s not enough that you’ve had surgery to reverse the signs of aging on your face. You need a healthy skin care regimen after a facelift to maintain results. Washing your face with a gentle cleanser, especially after wearing make-up; using a moisturizer, and applying sunscreen with SPF50 at least every time you go outside are the bare minimum to a healthy skin care routine. Make sure to use products that are appropriate for your specific skin type. Ask your surgeon how best to care for your skin after a facelift to achieve optimal, and maintain, results.
Apart from facelift aftercare, your lifestyle and habits also play a role in how long results will last. If you smoke, eat unhealthy foods, or basically live an unhealthy lifestyle, you can be sure that your skin will be directly impacted by it.
A few reminders
First-time patients are reminded that a full or mini facelift focuses only on the mid to lower part of the face, lifting the skin from the temple to the jawline. It will not lift your eyebrows or drooping eyelids. That said, discuss your options too for a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) and/or brow lift during your consultation for a facelift.
Some patients opt to undergo a brow lift or eyelid lift simultaneous with the facelift.
Got more questions about facelift results or facelift aftercare? Consult a trusted, experienced, and board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Click here to schedule a consultation with top facial plastic surgeon Dr. George T. Moynihan. You may also call Gold Coast Plastic Surgery at (312) 736-7795.
