Facelift surgery is a considerable investment of emotion and money which usually produces a return that is well worth it. A common question that I frequently hear in my Indianapolis plastic surgery practice is….how long will my facelift results last? This is a very understandable question and one that deserves a good answer.
A facelift operation treats the symptoms of the problem not the actual root cause of aging. (which no one knows how to stop) As a result, every patient will outlive the results of the surgery. I would argue that is the goal of every facelift patient…to live long enough to outlast the benefits of the surgery. While somewhat humorous, this speaks to the fact that facial aging is a continuous and ongoing process that can not be stopped. Therefore, no one should expect facelift results to be permanent or continue unaffected in the years ahead.
The classic facelift longevity answer is that it may last up to ten years. In many cases, the benefits of a tighter neck and jowls may well still be present this far out from the initial surgery. But there will be changes, a gradual relaxation of the neck and jowl skin. A gradual return of some sagging and loose neck and jowl skin will happen in all patients. This relaxation rate differs amongst patients and it can not be predicted whom will sag faster or slower. Thick heavy skin tends to sag quicker, while thin skin tends to hold up better.
The concept of skin relaxation is important to understand. Often referred to as ‘rebound relaxation’, the very tight neck and jowl area that one has right after surgery will relax somewhat over the first year. This is distressing to some, but it is an inevitable reality. One should not expect the neck skin to remain as tight as it was initially. As the final remnants of swelling goes away months later, small little areas of loose skin or wrinkles may develop in the neck. This is not a failure of the operation, but a manifestation of skin creep and relaxation.
Because of this ongoing relaxation, I advise my patients to consider intermittent ‘tuck-ups’ of the facelift years later. These miniature facelift procedures help freshen up the neck and jowl areas and make the result continue to look fresh and new. Often done just under IV sedation or local anesthetic, these limited facelifts are limited in scope with very minimal downtime.
Facelifts are a little like your lawn. They require maintenance and intermittent care to remain looking their best. Think of such facial rejuvenation as a long-term program, not just a one-time surgical procedure.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana