You might be surprised to learn that a facelift is considered a permanent procedure. However, although facelift results are considered permanent, we can’t really stop the natural aging process. Over the years after your facelift, your skin can start to lose its elasticity with age, at which point you may need another facelift or nonsurgical touch-up.
The good news is that you can maintain and optimize your facelift results to keep your skin looking smooth and firm for as long as possible. In this post, we’ll talk about your facelift results, from when you can expect to see them to how long they’ll realistically last.
Why Do Men and Women Choose To Have Facelift Surgery?
As the number of candles on your birthday cake increases, you might notice a general slackening of your facial skin. This early sagging can especially be apparent around the jawline and chin area. You may also notice more fine lines, wrinkles, and creases on your face. While lotions and creams can help to some degree, you can achieve more effective results with a facelift procedure.
The goal of a facelift procedure is to lift and tighten the skin and facial tissue in order to improve sagginess, jowling, and wrinkling. Your plastic surgeon may also remove excess fat and skin, creating a more sculpted and refreshed appearance that helps you look like you did about 10 years earlier.
How Soon After My Procedure Can I See the Results?
You can start seeing results as early as 3 weeks after your procedure, although you will experience some swelling and bruising that may initially obscure your full results. Additionally, your incision lines may still be prominent during this time. Following your plastic surgeon’s recommendations will help you see faster results from your facelift.
As you near the 4-month mark and beyond, your facelift results will improve every day. Your face will start to look more rested and refreshed, and your scars will be less visible. Make sure to keep up with skin care and sun protection as you heal during these months.
What Facial Concerns Can’t Be Improved With a Facelift?
Certain facial concerns, such as hollows under the eyes or vertical forehead lines, can’t be addressed by a facelift. For sunken areas on the face, you will get better results with facial fat grafting or dermal fillers, which can often be combined with your facelift. You can also combine your facelift with a brow lift and eyelid surgery to improve signs of aging on your forehead and eyelids.
However, as already mentioned, a facelift can’t stop future signs of aging on your face. You can still develop facial lines and wrinkles after your procedure. You can learn more in-depth information about what a facelift can and cannot accomplish in our related blog post.
Will My Facelift Result Look Natural?
Achieving subtle and natural facelift results will depend on the skill of your plastic surgeon. Most people want to avoid the rigid “wind tunnel” appearance associated with the facelifts of previous eras. Your plastic surgeon may choose advanced incision and lifting techniques to give you a lifted but natural appearance.
It’s important to talk to your plastic surgeon about your goals and vision when undergoing a facelift procedure. It’s helpful to review facelift before and after photos to get a good idea of your surgeon’s skill and technique.
How Long Will My Facelift Results Last?
While many people are eager to declare a facelift as permanent, your results can fade over time. Most men and women can typically enjoy their rejuvenated appearance for around 10 to 15 years. Still, even as your face ages after a facelift, you can expect to look about a decade younger than you would have without the surgery.
How long your facelift results will last depends on several factors, such as:
- Your plastic surgeon’s skill and experience: Your plastic surgeon’s expertise and the techniques they use to perform your procedure will impact your results. An experienced plastic surgeon can carefully analyze your facial goals and choose techniques that will give you the best results.
- Skin health and genetics: If you naturally have firm, elastic skin, that will help you maintain your facelift results longer. You may need a revision procedure sooner if you have thin and fragile skin.
- Lifestyle factors: A healthy diet, as well as a consistent exercise routine and skincare regimen, can affect your skin and help your facelift results last longer.
Ready to explore how a facelift can rejuvenate your look? Our plastic surgeons will be happy to discuss your facial rejuvenation options. Request a consultation using our online form or call us at (512) 244-1439 to schedule an appointment.
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