Face lift results can remain evident for many years, but their longevity is influenced by a range of factors that can go beyond the immediate effects of surgery.
A face lift works by repositioning and supporting underlying facial tissues while removing excess skin, which alters the structural framework of the face. The way these tissues heal, the techniques employed during surgery, and the natural changes in the skin and soft tissue all play a part in how long the results can really last.
In this blog, we’ll explore these elements in depth and discuss how face lift results can be maintained over time.
Are face lift results long lasting?
Face lift results can be long-lasting, often holding well for many years. While no procedure can pause the natural process of ageing altogether, a face lift repositions and supports the deeper tissues of the face in a way that provides a strong foundation moving forward.
What matters after surgery is how you take care of your face and your overall health, as these factors can influence how well the results are maintained. With the right habits, you can help extend the longevity of your results.
How important is aftercare in the early stages?
The first few weeks after a face lift can have a part in how well the results hold up in the long term. During this early period, the tissues are healing and stabilising, so it’s important that you follow the guidance provided by your surgeon.
You’ll receive recovery instructions during your consultation that will help you support your body’s healing. Patients are usually advised to rest with their head elevated, avoid strenuous activity, and take care of their incisions as instructed.
These steps not only support healing but also help the repositioned tissues stay in their intended place. A careful recovery period gives the tissues the best chance to heal evenly and securely.
Once this stage has passed, patients can move into more regular routines, knowing they’ve helped to build a solid base for results that are likely to last.
What difference does sun protection make?
Protecting your skin from UV exposure is one of the most effective ways to preserve the results of a face lift.
Sun damage weakens collagen and elastin, the proteins that provide structure to the skin. Even after surgery, those proteins remain vital for keeping the skin firm and resilient. Without protection, UV rays can speed up the changes associated with ageing and make the tissues more vulnerable.
Making sun protection a daily habit is simple but effective. Using a high-factor sunscreen, wearing a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors, and limiting time in direct sunlight during the peak hours can all help.
How can adjusting lifestyle factors influence the longevity of face lift results?
Some lifestyle factors can also somewhat influence how long results can last.
In particular, smoking can restrict blood flow and slow down tissue repair, which can sometimes increase skin ageing and therefore influence the results over time. Quitting can help you to prevent this and support your skin in the years to come.
Generally, following a healthy diet, staying hydrated and following a regular exercise routine can also help to support the quality of your skin in the longer term.
Taking care of your health, protecting your skin from sun exposure and following a good skincare routine are just some of the steps you can take to support your face lift results.
Can other treatments help to maintain face lift results in the future?
While a face lift focuses on repositioning the deeper tissues, the skin itself will naturally continue to age in its own way.
Non-surgical treatments can be used to complement the results by helping to maintain skin elasticity. Treatments that encourage collagen production, address texture, or address pigmentation can sometimes be helpful.
These treatments are not a substitute for surgery, but patients may choose to include them in their long-term maintenance plan. It ultimately comes down to personal preferences, the quality of the skin and the suitability of these treatments when it comes to the patient’s personal needs.
Could revision surgery be an option in the future?
For some patients, a smaller revision procedure may be considered many years after their first face lift. This doesn’t mean the original results were short-lived, it’s simply an option for those who want to maintain their results much further down the line. These procedures are usually less extensive than the initial surgery, as the tissues have already been addressed once before.
The choice to have a revision procedure or not depends on how the tissues change over time and the goals of the individual patient. If you’re not sure, scheduling an appointment with your surgeon in the future can help you discuss your needs and get personalised advice.
Your surgeon can assess any changes that have occurred over time and discuss how they may possibly be addressed with a less extensive procedure, if it is a suitable choice.
Why are follow-up appointments important?
Ongoing check-ups with your surgeon provide reassurance that your recovery is progressing well. Even after the initial recovery period, these appointments allow your surgeon to monitor how the tissues are healing and to give you advice on any treatments that may help.
Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled shortly after your procedure, as well as in the weeks and months afterwards to monitor healing over a longer period of time.
Meet with Dr Hunt in Sydney to discuss your face lift results
For tailored advice on how to support your body as it heals after a facelift, speaking directly with your surgeon will be the most helpful step.
Located in Sydney, Dr Jeremy Hunt is a registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing both surgical and non-surgical procedures.
To discuss what to expect after your procedure and discuss the details of your recovery, please get in touch with our team to book your consultation with Dr Hunt.
Further reading about facelift with Dr Hunt:
- What is a facelift (Rhytidectomy)?
- How much does facelift surgery cost in Sydney?
- How to prepare for face lift surgery?
- What questions to ask your surgeon before facelift?
- Are there any age restrictions for facelift surgery?
- Does facelift surgery leave scars?
- What is a jowl lift (lower facelift)?
- What can you expect after facelift surgery (day by day)?
- How to reduce bruising and swelling after face lift surgery?
- How to sleep after facelift surgery?
- What should I know about the post-facelift facial massage?
- How to protect your face from the sun after facelift surgery?
- What should you not do after a facelift?
- What procedures can I combine with a facelift?
- How to prepare for a face lift consultation?
- How lifestyle habits can affect face lift results?
Medical references about facelift:
- https://plasticsurgery.org.au/procedures/surgical-procedures/facelift-surgery/
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/facelift
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11023-facelift
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/facelift-meloplasty
- https://www.realself.com/surgical/facelift
