How Long Do Facelift Results Last—and How Can You Make Them Stay?

The facelift procedure has changed a lot over the past few decades. What many people used to think of as merely a skin-stretching quick fix is now a deep, sustained improvement with results that can last for many years. As a plastic surgeon, my Scottsdale patients often tell me they want to get the most from their money, and I completely agree! Only you can decide if the results created by today’s facelift are worth the money you’ll pay for surgery.

In this blog post, let’s take a look at how the modern facelift achieves its amazing results, as well as what you can do to maintain them for as long as possible.

As the face ages, tissues and underlying facial structures begin to sag. Although most of us think of sagging skin as being the main culprit, the problem is deeper than that. Muscles and fat begin to descend, too, which is why over-the-counter “skin tighteners” are rarely, if ever, truly effective. In order to create a truly “lifted” appearance, the structures beneath the skin must be lifted, too.

In my practice, I use the SMAS facelift technique. This special kind of procedure repositions these structures as well as reducing redundant skin and repositioning the remaining skin. During this type of surgery, I move the tissues upward. This is called “vector correct” movement, and it’s the key to natural-looking results.

In an SMAS facelift, when the facial tissues are truly repositioned, the repositioning is permanent. However, this doesn’t mean that your face will look the same forever. You’re still organic, and you’ll still age. However, this type of facelift permanently turns the clock back, resetting the aging process and ensuring you have a leg up, so to speak, on your peers who do not have facelift surgery. Each patient is different, however, and your own results can vary. But typically, most patients see an improvement that endures for about a decade before the normal signs of aging begin to appear once again.

A Must-Have for Facelift Patients

"The Insider's Guide to Getting a Facelift" is the definitive e-book that distinguishes facts from myths and describes the journey of a facelift patient with engaging content and easy-to-understand illustrations.

Double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Todd Hobgood is one of the leading facelift experts in the U.S., and he's drawn on years of experience to create this Insider's Guide.

Dr. Hobgood's Insider's Guide describes:

• Why modern facelift techniques create results that look natural
• Who is a good candidate for a facelift
• What the difference is between a full and a mini facelift
• When you can expect to see friends socially after a facelift

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So how can you make the most of your facelift results?

There are several steps you can take in your own lifestyle to make the very most of your facelift results. Unsurprisingly, most of them overlap with normal suggestions for a healthy lifestyle:

• No smoking! If you do smoke, be sure to quit well in advance of your surgery in order to prevent certain complications. Don’t start again, either. Smoke and nicotine are incredibly damaging to skin, ruining its resilience and glow.
• Cover up—sunblock is doubly important after your facelift. I recommend using a zinc-based product, which is better for sensitive skin, of an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to choose a broad-spectrum product to ensure you’re protected from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Finally, a healthy diet and adequate hydration give your skin the nutrients it needs to look amazing. Foods with plenty of vitamins (specifically A, B, C, and E) can support your skin’s elasticity and overall health.

Check out our gallery of before-and-after photos to learn more about what’s possible. When you’re ready, reach out to my practice for your consultation.