Factors Affecting Facelift Longevity

Several factors influence how long the results of a facelift will last, including the age of the patient and the quality of their skin at the time of surgery. Younger patients typically have better skin elasticity, which allows the tissues to be repositioned more effectively and maintain their new position longer. 

Conversely, older patients may have less elastic skin, which can affect the longevity of the facelift results. Additionally, the overall quality of the skin—its thickness, collagen levels, and sun damage—plays a crucial role. 

In my practice, I often pretreat the skin with treatments like Morpheus8 and Erbium lasers to enhance collagen production. This pretreatment not only improves the skin’s quality but also aids in tissue handling and manipulation during the facelift, ultimately contributing to longer-lasting results.

Facelift Longevity: SMAS Facelift vs. Deep Plane Facelift

The longevity of a facelift can vary depending on the technique used. The two most common techniques are the SMAS (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) facelift and the deep plane facelift.

SMAS Facelift Longevity

The SMAS facelift is a popular and well-established technique that targets the superficial layer of muscle and tissue beneath the skin. By lifting and tightening this layer, the surgeon can achieve a more youthful and refreshed appearance. The results of an SMAS facelift typically last between 7 to 12 years. 

While this technique offers significant improvements, its results may not be as long-lasting as those achieved with a deep plane facelift. This is because the SMAS facelift primarily addresses the superficial layers of the face, leaving the deeper structures, like the facial ligaments holding the skin down, largely untouched. 

Over time, the effects of gravity, collagen depletion, and the natural aging process can cause the skin to sag again, diminishing the initial results.

Deep Plane Facelift Longevity

The deep plane facelift is a more advanced technique that provides longer-lasting results compared to the SMAS facelift. This method involves lifting and repositioning the deeper layers of the face, including the muscles and fat pads. By addressing these foundational structures, the deep plane facelift offers a more natural and longer-lasting rejuvenation. 

Patients who undergo a deep plane facelift can expect results to last 10 to 15 years, or even longer in some cases. The deeper structural support provided by this technique means that the face is less likely to succumb to the effects of gravity and aging as quickly as it would with a SMAS facelift.

Why Facelift Results Diminish Over Time

While both the SMAS and deep plane facelifts offer impressive results, it’s important to understand that no facelift can stop the natural aging process. Over time, the skin continues to age, leading to the gradual diminishment of facelift results. Several factors contribute to this process:

1. Loss of Collagen and Elastin Collagen and elastin are proteins that give the skin its structure and elasticity. As we age, the production of these proteins slows down, and the existing collagen and elastin begin to break down. This leads to a loss of skin firmness and elasticity, causing the skin to sag and wrinkle. Even after a facelift, the ongoing decline in collagen and elastin will eventually affect the skin’s appearance.

2. Effects of Gravity Gravity is a constant force that pulls on the skin and underlying tissues. Over time, gravity can cause the skin to sag, particularly in areas like the cheeks, jawline, and neck. While a facelift can counteract these effects initially, gravity will continue to work against the results over the years.

3. Environmental Factors Sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and other environmental factors can accelerate the aging process. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, for example, can break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature aging of the skin. Similarly, smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and essential nutrients, which can speed up the aging process.

4. Lifestyle and Genetics Individual lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and skincare habits, as well as genetic factors, can also influence how long facelift results last. Those with a healthier lifestyle and good genetics may experience longer-lasting results compared to those who don’t take care of their skin or have a genetic predisposition to faster aging.

Extending the Longevity of Your Facelift

While it’s impossible to stop the aging process, there are several treatments and products that can help extend the longevity of your facelift:

1. Radiofrequency Microneedling: Radiofrequency microneedling, like Morpheu8, combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin. This treatment helps tighten and firm the skin, enhancing and prolonging the results of a facelift.

2. Laser Treatments: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, can improve skin texture, tone, and firmness. These treatments work by stimulating collagen production and encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells, which can help maintain the results of your facelift.

3. Daily Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial for maintaining facelift results. Daily application of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher can prevent collagen breakdown and protect against premature aging.

4. Retinoids: Retinoids are a form of Vitamin A that is known to boost collagen production and increase cell turnover. Incorporating retinoids into your skincare routine can help maintain the firmness and elasticity of your skin, prolonging the effects of your facelift. We recommend SkinBetter Science Alpharet Overnight Cream.

5. Biostimulating injectables: Treatments such as Sculptra or PRF EZ gel work by stimulating collagen production over time. Sculptra is an injectable that encourages collagen growth, while PRF EZ gel uses your body’s own growth factors to build collagen and add volume in the skin over time. These treatments can be used in the years following your facelift to maintain and enhance your results.

Investing in your appearance doesn’t end with surgery—it’s about maintaining and enhancing those results with the right care and treatments.

Are you interested in a facelift? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Saxon in our Austin or Dallas, Texas locations to see if a facelift is right for you!