A facelift is the most effective way to dramatically rejuvenate and refresh your appearance. But before committing to such a transformative procedure, it’s helpful to understand what to expect, including the steps you can take to prolong your results.
If you’ve been searching for answers to the question, how long does a facelift last, keep reading. We’ll discuss a few facelift options, explore how long you can expect each option to last, and offer tips for maximizing your cosmetic surgery investment by preserving your facelift results.
Types of Facelift
A facelift is never a one-size-fits-all approach. From full surgical facelifts to nonsurgical “liquid” facelifts, each technique addresses a certain degree of facial aging. Because the extent of each procedure differs, the method you choose will affect the duration of your results.
Some different types of facelifts typically include:
Full Facelift: A full or traditional surgical facelift rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face by smoothing deep wrinkles and folds, tightening lax skin, and defining the jawline. We often combine a facelift and neck lift to achieve optimal results. Our related blog post shares more details about how to tell if you’re ready for a surgical facelift.
Mini Facelift: A mini facelift is a less invasive surgical option that addresses the lower one-third of the face (including mild jowling) and has a shorter recovery window. While this may sound appealing, a mini facelift offers limited rejuvenation and most people with sagging facial skin are usually better suited to a full facelift.
Liquid Facelift: A liquid facelift is a nonsurgical approach that combines BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers like JUVÉDERM® to rejuvenate and sculpt the face. It can be an ideal alternative for patients with early signs of aging who prefer to avoid surgery. Many people in their 30s and 40s opt for a liquid facelift because it doesn’t require any downtime. The tradeoff is that a liquid facelift doesn’t deliver the dramatic results of a surgical facelift and results are temporary.
Facelift After Surgery: Understanding Your Results
Men and women should have realistic expectations about their facelift results. While a facelift can take years off your appearance and effectively turn back the clock, it does not stop the clock on aging altogether.
- With a full facelift, you can expect to maintain your youthful appearance for about 10 years or more.
- Mini facelift results typically last 5 to 10 years.
- A liquid facelift can last 1 to 2 years, depending on the amount of correction necessary and the types of fillers used.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin, discuss your goals, and determine the facelift approach that best aligns with your needs.
Preserving your Facelift Results
Now that you have a better understanding of the different types of facelifts and the potential longevity of each procedure, use these tips to look younger and feel more refreshed for as long as possible after your procedure:
- Pay attention during post-op: Follow your post-surgical protocol carefully so you don’t risk harming your incisions or jeopardizing your healing and results.
- Protect your skin: Avoid sun exposure, apply sunscreen, and be vigilant about wearing sunglasses, visors, and brimmed hats—especially in the Florida sun!
- Get maintenance treatments: Consider scheduling dermal filler treatments, BOTOX, chemical peels, or laser rejuvenation procedures to maintain facial volume, keep skin as supple as possible, and ward off wrinkles and lines.
- Invest in skin care. Take care of your skin by using high-quality skincare products to preserve your facelift results.
- Make healthy choices: Stay hydrated, eat nutritious meals, refrain from smoking after facelift surgery, and eliminate other unhealthy habits.
Facelift results can be dramatic and long-lasting, especially if you take steps to protect your skin. If you’re ready to explore your facelift options, we encourage you to request a consultation online or call us at (850) 219-2000 to get started.
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