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How Long Does a Facelift Last?

Rhytidectomy, otherwise known as a facelift, has been a well-known cosmetic procedure for years. It is designed to reduce visible signs of aging in the face and neck and is a popular option for those individuals who want to address sagging skin and deep creases. It effectively provides a more youthful appearance by repositioning facial tissues. This is the reason for its popularity. However, one of the most common questions a plastic surgeon usually has to answer is: How long does a facelift last? This question requires more than a yes or no answer. Various factors may impact the longevity of a facelift. Your surgeon can help you understand them and guide you in making an informed decision.

 

How Long Does a Facelift Last?

On average, facelift results can last from 7 to 10 years. This means that, after a decade or less, patients may already experience a gradual return of sagging and wrinkling skin as the natural process of aging continues. However, typically, the face will appear younger than if surgery has never been performed.

If you are considering getting a facelift, it is important to keep your expectations in check. A facelift is designed to improve your skin’s appearance by reducing signs of aging, but it does not stop you from aging. You will still continue to age. It just sets back the clock a couple of years.

 

Factors that Affect How Long a Facelift Lasts

 

1. Types of Facelift

  • Mini Facelift: This type is less invasive and best for mild sagging. The results usually last for 5 to 7 years.
  • Mid-Facelift: This type targets the cheek area of your face. The results may last for 7 to 10 years.
  • Deep Plane Facelift: Deep plane facelift is a more comprehensive procedure that restores volume and shape by manipulating deeper facial tissues, including the superficial musculoaponeurotic system. The results are usually more natural than traditional facelifts and can last for 7 to 10 years or longer.

 

2. Patient’s Age at the Time of Surgery

Younger patients who are in their 40s or 50s get longer-lasting results than those who undergo surgery in their 60s or 70s. This is because when skin is younger, it is more elastic and heals better, leading to a better outcome.

 

3. Skin Quality and Lifestyle

The elasticity, texture, and overall health of your skin can greatly influence how long the results of your facelift can last. When skin is firm and well-moisturized, it is expected to have longer-lasting results. Lifestyle also affects skin health, so the following are to be avoided:

  • Smoking: This accelerates aging and reduces blood flow to the skin.
  • Sun Exposure: This breaks down collagen and elastin, which leads to sagging and wrinkles.
  • Weight Fluctuations: This can stretch the skin and distort the contours of your face.

 

4. Surgeon’s Skill and Technique

Your choice of surgeon is crucial to the results of your facelift. A highly qualified and experienced surgeon is expected to deliver a more natural look and longer-lasting results.

 

5. Post-Surgery and Maintenance

Your surgeon will give you post-surgery instructions, which you have to carefully follow.

Failure to do so may affect the way your skin heals and impact the longevity of your results. In addition, you also need to give your skin proper love and care by:

  • Applying sunscreen daily
  • Applying moisturizers and retinoids
  • Avoiding smoking and eating healthy
  • Getting supplemental non-surgical treatment like fillers and laser resurfacing

 

How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Facelift

To prolong the beautiful results of your facelift, there are things that you can do:

 

Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

Make sure that your diet is rich in antioxidants. Engage in regular exercise. And have adequate quality sleep. This will keep your skin fresh and firm.

 

Avoid Sun Damage

Apply sunscreen every day, even when it is cloudy. A hat or an umbrella can give you extra protection.

 

Stay Hydrated

Maintain your skin’s elasticity by staying hydrated. Ensure that you are getting plenty of water every day.

 

Consider Touch-Up Procedures

Ask your surgeon about non-invasive options that can refresh your appearance and delay the need for another surgical facelift. A second facelift done 10-15 years after the first one is not uncommon. Second and even third facelifts are safer and more effective than ever before due to the advances in surgical techniques. However, you need to see if another facelift is really necessary. Many patients do not need another full facelift. A mini facelift or other less invasive techniques may be enough to maintain the firmness of your skin.

 

Begin Your Transformation Today

A facelift is a truly transformative procedure that not only rejuvenates your skin but also makes it more youthful and boosts the confidence that visible signs of aging have dampened.

Facelift results can last for a long time. The key to that is choosing the right surgeon, following post-operative care instructions, and living a healthy lifestyle. If you want to explore this option for yourself and see if it is the right course to take, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiu, our board-certified surgeon so that you can be empowered to make an informed decision.

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How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Facelift?

A facelift is a popular cosmetic surgery that reduces the signs of aging on the face by tightening sagging skin and smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure can take years off of one’s appearance face and reveal a more youthful-looking glow. Still, the results are not just aesthetic, considering many patients report an increase in self-confidence after having a facelift. In fact, the physical and mental changes that take place after a facelift make it a truly life-changing procedure for those who elect to have it. Prospective patients often wonder, “How long does it take to recover from a facelift?” We share a helpful outline of the recovery process below.

 

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Facelift?

Before undergoing a facelift, it is essential to understand the recovery timeline. The entire process takes around one month, but each patient’s recovery is unique. You will notice postoperative symptoms right away, but they will gradually improve as time passes. By the fourth week, most patients are back to their daily routine. Still, it is important to avoid strenuous activities or exercise until your surgeon fully clears you.

 

Recovery Timeline After A Facelift

The recovery timeline for a facelift lasts between four to six weeks, though the exact time frame depends on the unique qualities of the patient. The final results of a facelift will continue to settle until about the six-month mark after the procedure. Continue reading to find the various stages of the recovery process and what to expect during each.

 

Day of Facelift Surgery

The day of surgery will be the most intense in terms of your symptoms. However, you can effectively manage these through medication and rest. You will likely be drowsy due to the anesthesia, so you may not remember everything, though long-term memory complications associated with anesthesia are rare. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common, but they are entirely normal and will gradually get better over time. The first 24 hours are crucial for recovery, so you will need to focus on rest. Make sure to have someone there to take care of you during this first day.

 

Week 1 Post-Facelift

Your body is focused on healing during the first week. Surgery can be a lot on your body, so rest can help you recover with ease. You will experience tightness and discomfort in your face due to swelling. You can manage this discomfort with medication, but the swelling and bruising should subside within the first week. It is important to avoid strenuous movement during this period.

 

Weeks 2 and 3 Post-Facelift

Patients typically notice the most rapid improvement during this period. In fact, by the end of this period, your symptoms, including bruising and intense swelling, should completely subside. You will also be able to move around with significantly more ease at this point. It is still important to take it easy, but you should have more energy and feel better around this time. Your surgeon will likely recommend a postoperative follow-up appointment during this period. It is essential to attend this appointment so your surgeon can monitor your progress.

 

Weeks 4 Through 6 Post-Facelift

Most patients are back to their daily routine by the end of week four. You will have slight swelling, but your scars will have begun to fade. While you may need to take it easy, you should be able to get back to regular exercise around the one-month mark as well. Avoid strenuous exercise or other activities until your surgeon clears you. Your results will be clearly recognizable by this point, but it can take up to six months for your full results to settle in.

 

Facelift Procedure

The first step in moving forward with a facelift is scheduling a consultation with a celebrity plastic surgeon. Contact the team at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery today to schedule yours.

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How to Maintain Facelift Results

Let us look at how to maintain facelift results. A facelift procedure has the potential to give patients a very high level of renewed appearance by tightening and enlivening the skin and muscles of the face. This has made it one of plastic surgery’s most requested procedures since its inception. 

However, like most plastic surgery procedures, if you want to keep your results looking their best, then it pays to learn a little bit about the best ways to preserve your results.

How to Maintain Facelift Results

If you’re considering receiving a facelift or have recently received one, take a look at this overview that describes the best ways to preserve your results.

Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure

Exposing your skin to excessive amounts of sun can be very detrimental to your skin, and compromise your results before their time. You can protect yourself against the negative effects of sun exposure by wearing protective clothing, consistently wearing hats, and using sunscreen when you go outside. In addition, you should avoid venturing outside during peak daylight hours, when the sun is strongest.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is very hazardous for your health in several different ways, including in the way it impacts your skin. Smoking can reduce blood circulation and increase the risk of complications after surgery. Quitting smoking will inevitably lead to improved health over time and help you to preserve your results.

Employ a Thorough Skincare Routine

You can help extend your results by consistently employing high-quality skincare products. You can discuss with your physician what types of products would be most beneficial for you with your physician as you’re walked through the facelift procedure process. Exfoliation, moisturizers, and other techniques should be looked into.

Enjoy a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is also something that can benefit you and your facelift results. Packing your body with essential nutrients and vitamins can help reduce skin-damaging impacts from inflammation and sun damage. Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can only benefit someone who’s attempting to preserve their results for longer.

Get Plenty of Rest

Sleep is another essential part of health that can help you preserve your skincare results. While you sleep, your skin and the rest of the organs of your body repair and regenerate. Getting plenty of adequate sleep should be considered essential for preserving your facelift results.

Research Cosmetic Injectables

Sometimes, applying injectable treatments from dermal fillers can help to enhance and maintain your plastic surgery results. Injectables have the potential to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and restore volume lost by the wear and tear of life.

Watch Your Weight

If you have excessive amounts of weight fluctuation, either in gaining or losing weight, it may affect the appearance of your face in the long run. Maintaining a steady weight through a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise can help you to maintain your results for longer.

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

As with any medical procedure of import, your surgeon will provide you with some detailed post-operative instructions that are crucial for ensuring that you maintain the highest level of quality for your results. Following these instructions and attending all of the follow-up appointments they instruct for you should remain essential.

In addition, you should try to schedule at least a couple of follow-up procedures with your surgeon just to receive some checkups. This will help to ensure that you stay on track with your recovery process.

What to Do if Your Results Start to Fade

A facelift can provide an individual with a major revision in terms of the vivacity of their appearance. Despite this, it remains important to remember that your skin will continue to age in its natural way. This may find you returning to the surgery clinic if the proper steps remain not taken to preserve your results.

Although this doesn’t have to be the end of the world, if your results begin to lose their freshness, there are options available. You should return to your surgeon to discuss the best path forward for preserving or restoring your results before they degrade too severely. By keeping track of the quality of your results, you can assist your surgeon in making a plan for restoring them.

The Beverly Hills Center for Quality Facelifts

Beverly Hills Center for Plastic Surgery is one of the best resources for receiving a facelift procedure. If you’re considering undergoing this type of treatment for yourself, contact us today to find out why we’re considered the best place for plastic surgery in Beverly Hills.