OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Facelifts, or rhytidectomy, are a popular cosmetic surgery aimed at reducing the visible signs of aging. While they can give you remarkable results, many people wonder, “How long do facelifts last?”
Dr. Navinderdeep Nijher with Ocala Plastic Surgery & Dermatology explains the longevity of facelifts, factors that influence their duration, and other things to consider before deciding whether to undergo a procedure.
How long do facelifts typically last?
According to Dr. Nijher, the average facelift lasts about 8 to 10 years. However, the longevity of a facelift varies depending on several factors, including the type of facelift performed, the patient’s lifestyle, and the quality of aftercare.
Types of facelifts
Dr. Nijher says that there are different types of facelifts, all offering varying results:
- Traditional facelift: addresses deeper layers of the face, including the muscles and fat, offering more lasting results.
- Mini-facelift: targets specific areas like the jawline and neck but generally lasts a shorter length of time.
- SMAS facelift: focuses on the Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) for a natural, long-lasting look.
Best age for a facelift?
The optimal age for a facelift is when you first notice the significant signs of aging. Most people opt for their first facelift in their 50s. By then, signs of aging like sagging skin, wrinkles, and loss of facial volume have become more pronounced but are still manageable.
Why consider a facelift?
A facelift can help you achieve a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance that feels more like how you feel inside. Dr. Nijher says some other reasons to consider a facelift include:
- Desire to look younger: reduce wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Enhance natural features: improve facial structure to achieve a naturally younger appearance.
- Boost confidence: feel better about your reflection.
How many times can you get a facelift?
Dr. Nijher says that while technically you can have multiple facelifts, it’s generally advised not to exceed three in a lifetime. “The most important thing is to have the facelift done properly. If done properly, it should last about 10 years and sometimes longer,” he states. “Also, when done properly each successive facelift is sometimes less invasive than the first one once everything has been restored to normal position.”
Ideal candidates for a facelift?
Nijher advises that the best candidates for a facelift are individuals who are:
- Healthy: No significant medical conditions.
- Non-smokers: Smoking can affect skin healing.
- Good skin health: No excessive skin damage or elasticity loss.
He says it’s important to reach and maintain your goal weight prior to surgery as weight fluctuations can impact results.
Is a facelift an outpatient procedure?
“Yes. It can even be done under IV sedation or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s health,” said Nijher. “Generally, the procedure takes about 3 to 4 hours, and the patient goes home the same day.”
He says one of the common misrepresentations is that it is safer to do a facelift while awake under just a local anesthesia. Nijher says that not only is this statement completely false, but you can get a much less effective result.
“There is only so much that the face can be numbed and when these types of mini lifts are performed. The real problem areas aren’t often addressed effectively,” he said. “It is therefore much better to be put to sleep so that everything can be addressed safely and properly to give you a better long-term result.”
Recovery Process
Nijher says many people believe a facelift is painful. He says most patients experience tightness rather than pain. He says it’s mostly a “social recovery.” He adds that bruising and swelling last about two to three weeks, with significant improvement by week four. He says over-the-counter medications are often sufficient for managing pain.
Risks involved
Like any surgical procedure, Nijher says that facelifts have risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Wound healing issues
- Nerve injury
- Asymmetry
He notes that the experience and skill of the surgeon can significantly reduce these risks.
Non-surgical options
If you aren’t ready to go under the knife, Nijher says non-surgical options include:
- Injectable fillers: to restore facial volume.
- Botox: to reduce wrinkles and muscle activity.
He says these are less invasive but may not be as effective for sagging neck skin, a common reason people opt for surgery.
Important questions to ask your surgeon
Before making your decision, Nijher recommends you ask some very important questions including:
- Experience level: How many facelifts have they performed?
- Expected outcomes: What can realistically be achieved?
- Procedure details: What exactly will be done and why?
“In my opinion, the most important thing is for the doctor to explain to you exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it. This is where if it ‘sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ becomes an important question,” Nijher stated. “Many times, if the procedure is not done properly, it can lead to dissatisfaction.”
He stresses that the most important thing is to question your surgeon about how the procedure will be done, what exactly will be done and why. He recommends you ask to actually see results.
“Go to their website and see how many pictures they have. Not every result is going to be 100% perfect, but the more results the surgeon displays, the more consistent the results will be,” said Nijher.
He also says to remember that each patient is different, and each patient’s results are going to be individually based.
“If all you see is a couple of perfect results, that is not necessarily a good thing as that is not a true depiction of what is happening. On the other hand, if you see lots of good results consistently, then, in my opinion, that shows that the surgeon is experienced and can most likely help you achieve what you are looking for consistently.”