A facelift is a type of aesthetic surgery that aims to rejuvenate and firm the skin using various techniques. But one question remains: are its effects lasting?
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How does a facelift age?
Summary
Published June 27, 2025,
updated on June 30, 2025,
by
Lilia, Scientific Editor
—
5 min read
What is a facelift?
The lift is a cosmetic surgical procedure to rejuvenate and tighten skin by removing excess fat and skin. This excess can give a sagging and drooping appearance, wherever it occurs on the body. The lift can be performed on several areas, including the face, neck, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, calves or buttocks. For any treated area, the procedure principle is the same, as are the preoperative and postoperative steps.
A facelift does not stop ageing, it temporarily slows it.
Before any procedure, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential. The surgeon explains the steps of the operation, potential risks, and post-operative guidelines. They collect all relevant medical details: medical history, allergies, current treatments. Additional tests such as a blood test or an X-ray may be prescribed to ensure the patient is eligible for surgery. The facelift follows the same main steps: local or general anaesthesia as needed, incisions to access underlying tissues, detachment of the skin, removal of excess fat and skin, tightening of muscles to firm the area, closure of the incisions with sutures and application of a dressing.
Every type of lifting requires a recovery period during which healing occurs. Rigorous postoperative follow-up is necessary, with specific recommendations from the surgeon to support optimal recovery.
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How does a facelift change over time?
After a successful facelift, it is common to think the results will be permanent. Yet they are not. The durability of a facelift’s effects depends on several factors, including the techniques used by the surgeon, the patient’s profile, lifestyle, treated area and the natural ageing process. On average, facelift results remain visible for ten to fifteen years after the procedure. Beyond this period, the effects may diminish and skin laxity may reappear. Over time, gravity, collagen loss and skin elasticity resume their impact: progressive sagging can reoccur, especially in the neck, jowls or eyelids. However, this duration often varies between individuals. It is therefore essential to adopt certain habits to maximise the effects of the procedure.
A study analysed the time elapsed between primary and secondary facial lifts in 42 patients, including nine men and 33 women with a mean age of 50.7 years. The results, shown as a histogram, display the distribution of the interval in years between the first and second lift by number of patients. The interval ranged from one to 34 years. Most patients underwent a second lift between 3 and 21 years after the first, with notable peaks around 7, 11, 13, 17 and 21 years. The most frequent interval lies between 10 and 20 years. One exceptional case recorded a second lift 34 years after the first.
Distribution of the interval in years between primary and secondary facial lifts as a function of the number of patients.
Source: CONNELL B.F. et al. Longevity of SMAS facial rejuvenation and support. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2010).
These data indicate that a facelift is not a permanent procedure and that some patients choose to repeat it depending on skin ageing or the desired outcome.
No universal time frame exists; further intervention depends on each case.
Although skin ageing is inevitable, it can be delayed by an appropriate care routine using nourishing, hydrating, and antioxidant products. Preventing new fat accumulation is crucial. This involves a healthy, balanced diet combined with regular physical activity. These measures help maintain lifting benefits for longer.
Sources
SHORR N. & al. The deep plane facelift: a 20-year evolution of technique. Ophtalmology (2000).
SVEHLAK S. & al. The volumetric face lift. Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2004).
CONNELL B.F. & al. Longevity of SMAS facial rejuvenation and support. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (2010).
NARASIMHAN K. & al. Long-Term Results in Face Lifting: Observational Results and Evolution of Technique. Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (2016).
ELBERT E. & al. Getting Better Results in Facelifting. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2019)
FRIEDMAN O. & al. Facelift Surgery: History, Anatomy, and Recent Innovations. Facial Plastic Surgery (2020).
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