Even as the popularity of minimally invasive and non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatments increases, a surgical facelift remains the gold standard if you want long-lasting results.
How long is “long-lasting”? It probably doesn’t surprise you that there is no ironclad answer for how long your facelift will last. It depends on a variety of factors, including the type of facelift you have and the age at which you have surgery.
Fortunately, you can extend the duration of your results by taking a few simple steps. Ultimately, though, the aging process continues, and the results will gradually fade—but you will still look younger than you would have if you hadn’t had a facelift.
What Are the Different Types of Facelifts?
The various techniques used to perform facelift and neck lift surgery each have unique benefits and limitations. No single type of facelift is appropriate for every patient. If you’ve done some research about facelifts online, you’ve probably come across names such as SMASectomy, deep plane, mini facelift, and others.
The surgeons at our practice prefer what’s known as the MACS lift because it creates excellent results, involves a shorter incision, takes less time to perform, and has a faster recovery time than more invasive techniques. Dr. Jewell’s expertise in this innovative technique—called minimal access cranial suspension facelift (MACS lift)—includes training other surgeons on how to use this approach.
The results of a MACS lift often last up to 10 years, which is similar to other, more invasive types of facelifts.
Ways To Help Your Results Last Longer
A facelift can help you look like a younger version of yourself, but it can’t stop the aging process. You can, however, help your results last longer by developing some good skincare habits and scheduling maintenance cosmetic treatments.
Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Sun exposure is the primary cause of premature aging. Many patients combine laser skin resurfacing with facelift surgery to address the rough texture caused by sun damage. While completely avoiding the sun isn’t realistic or even advisable, limiting your exposure can help your facelift results last much longer. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses every time you’re in the sun is important. And applying a quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen every day will protect your skin, even when it’s overcast.
Don’t Skimp on Skincare Products
You’ve made a significant investment in getting a facelift. You can enhance and prolong your results by investing in professional-grade skincare products that cleanse, nourish, moisturize, and protect your skin. A daily skincare routine will keep your skin looking youthful and healthy.
Follow Your Surgeon’s Advice
With years of experience performing facelifts, our surgeons provide post-op instructions that will help ensure that you heal as quickly as possible and enjoy your results for years to come. By closely following the instructions during the recovery process, you can extend the duration of the results.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Significant weight fluctuations take a toll on the skin and compromise the results of facelift surgery. Gaining and losing weight affects the skin’s elasticity, and you may notice sagging in the neck and the return of jowls earlier than what is typically expected after a facelift. Consuming a healthy diet and exercising regularly is the best way to maintain your weight.
Don’t Smoke
Other than excessive sun exposure, nothing ages the skin faster than smoking. The chemicals in cigarettes sap the skin of essential nutrients that help it remain youthful-looking, and the physical act of smoking creates lines around the mouth. Smokers often have deep lines and wrinkles on their faces that make them appear much older than they are. Before getting a facelift, patients must stop smoking several weeks before the procedure. The best way to ensure your results are long-lasting is to quit permanently after the surgery.
Lead a Healthy Lifestyle
Drinking plenty of water and eating healthy foods that nourish your body and skin can also help prolong your results. Eating a diet full of lean proteins, ample vegetables, and monounsaturated fats can help your skin stay as healthy as possible. You can still indulge from time to time, of course, but avoiding processed foods and foods high in sugar will help your skin retain its youthful appearance following a facelift.
Consider Getting Injectables
Cosmetic injectables such as BOTOX® and dermal fillers can help refresh your appearance years after getting a facelift by restoring volume and reducing wrinkles and lines as they develop.
Get Started
If you’ve been considering a facelift and are looking in the Eugene, OR, area for a plastic surgeon, use the online form to request a consultation with one of our surgeons or call us at (541) 683-3234 to schedule an appointment.
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