A facelift is a common cosmetic surgery procedure used to diminish signs of aging due to wrinkles, fine lines, and loose skin. During a facelift procedure, excess fat is removed, the muscles and underlying tissue are tightened, and the skin is pulled back tightly over the face. While the procedure is considered restorative, it cannot permanently stop the aging process.
Factors that Impact Your Facelift Results
People should have realistic goals when they decide to have a facelift. It is not a cure-all, and the results can vary depending upon the procedure. While some facelifts can last anywhere between 15-20 years, some other factors can determine when you may need another:
Genetics & Skin Condition
Genetics can greatly affect how well your plastic surgery is maintained. Data suggests that people with darker skin tones have longer-lasting results than their fairer-skinned counterparts. People with skin damage from sun exposure also don’t see as long results. For the best results, you should have the procedure done before the 55-60 year age range.
Surgical Technique
Many types of facelifts are available, some being more invasive than others. In most cases, the more extensive the surgery, the longer it lasts. Full face lifts last 15-20 years while lesser evasive mini-lifts may only last from 2-6 years.
Lifestyle
Living a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in keeping your face rejuvenation dramatic. Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise, avoid too much sun, and refrain from smoking to stay as healthy as possible and keep your skin youthful. A good skin care regimen to keep your skin hydrated and healthy will also maintain the results of your facelift.
Additional Surgical Procedures
Additional procedures on the face can go either way. When it comes to facelift surgery, too much can weaken the skin. There is nothing wrong with getting more than one procedure done if you feel the need to. However, you must keep in mind that too much can greatly alter your looks and defeat the purpose. This is often true with celebrities who overdo plastic surgery. Too much can lead to excessive fat loss in the face and give you a more skeletal look. Of course, this can be offset by using volumizers for a fuller look.
Your Surgeon
You need to find a plastic surgeon that has several years of experience under his or her belt. The more experienced the surgeon, the better chance of having a procedure with effective outcomes and minimal complications.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Michael Bohley is a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience performing cosmetic surgeries such as a facelift. If you live in the Portland, OR area, schedule a consultation online or give our office a call at (503) 897-8999 to determine which facelift procedure is right for you.
