Are the results of my facelift permanent? Ask the Expert

Are the results of my facelift permanent?

A facelift can provide long-lasting results and significantly reverse the signs of ageing. The natural ageing process does not stop, and the longevity of facelift results varies.

Date: 19th April 2021

Last reviewed: 12th February 2024

What is a Facelift and How Long Does it Last?

When it comes to considering ways to roll back the years and achieve a more youthful look, a facelift is a popular surgical choice.

Known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift can reverse signs of ageing, such as fine lines or those that have developed into deeper wrinkles. When this procedure becomes the one that people want to explore further, one of the most common questions asked is how long does a facelift last? Of course, given that the procedure is a surgical one, and given the potential costs involved, potential patients are keen to know just how long they will see the benefits.

Generally, facelifts provide long-lasting results that significantly reverse the signs of ageing for a long time. That said, facelifts do not stop the natural aging process and patients enjoy their results for varying lengths of time. One of the key factors is the type of surgery performed initially – such as a mini facelift, traditional facelift or deep plane facelift – with more comprehensive, expensive facelift surgeries typically lasting longer. Other influencing factors include genetics, lifestyle, and overall skin health.

How Long Does a Mini Facelift Last?

On average, you should expect the results of a mini facelift to last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, although individual experiences may vary.

Since the mini lift procedure does not stop the ageing process, results are not permanent. While a mini facelift may allow you to look 5-10 years younger, the ageing process will still continue. This, however, doesn’t undo the results of your facelift and so the general expectation is that you will maintain an appearance that makes you look 5 – 10 years younger than you did previously.

If you had a mini facelift when you were 60 and then had the appearance of a 50-year-old after surgery, you are always going to appear 10 years younger. So yes, you will age, but when you reach 70 you should have the appearance of someone who is 60. To see a selection of examples of mini lift surgical results, visit our mini facelift before and after page here.

Lifestyle factors also play a part, as does genetic disposition. So whilst the effects of a mini facelift are considered to be long-term, and you can expect to enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years, you must limit sun exposure, and unhealthy choices such as smoking, poor diet and excessive alcohol intake. Maintenance treatments such as Anti Ageing Injectables and Dermal Fillers may also help.

How Long Does a Traditional Facelift Last?

On average, you should expect the results of a traditional full facelift to last around 10 years, although individual experiences do vary.

In general, the more comprehensive the tissue repositioning of the initial procedure, the more comprehensive and longer lasting the results. A Deep Plane facelift, for example, is a more comprehensive technique than a traditional facelift that targets even deeper layers of facial tissues and muscles. These typically last even longer, and around 10 to 15 years, or even longer in some men and women.

Are Facelift Results Permanent?

There is no such thing as a truly permanent facelift. The ongoing impact of ageing and gravity on skin elasticity, collagen levels and skin quality, eventually begin to age the face.

How Important is Facelift Recovery and Aftercare for Long Lasting Results?

Facelift recovery and aftercare are crucial for achieving long-lasting and optimal results. With the correct care in this vital immediate recovery phase, you can help minimise complications, ensure proper healing and improve the longevity of your facelift outcomes. Typical recommendations include minimising activities, elevating your head when you sleep, managing your swelling and following all your surgeon's instructions.

At the Cadogan Clinic, we take this recovery phase very seriously, and our 24 hour team will oversee your recovery. You will be seen regularly after your surgery to check in on your progress and any aftercare needs. This includes an appointment with our nursing staff 1-2 weeks after your procedure and then a 6-week review that is carried out by your surgeon. There is also 24/7 access to our specialist team should you need any support and advice. 

Will I Need Additional Facelift Surgery After My Facelift?

The vast majority of patients are satisfied with the results from their first facelift, and only a minority will consider having a second facelift surgery. Key decision factors are highly individualised, and include the speed of the ongoing ageing process, whether lifestyle choices are impacting the quality of results, and simple personal preference. In some rare cases, the initial surgery may not have achieved the desired results, and revision surgery may be required to achieve them.

It is perhaps more common that patients decide to explore other facial cosmetic procedures to enhance the results that they have already seen from their facelift. A consultation with an expert surgeon helps people decide if there is a need for any further surgery to achieve the desired results that they were seeking from the original procedure. This may include:

Blepharoplasty (surgery on your eyelids)
A neck lift
Fat transfer

Likewise, non invasive treatments are often recommended to maintain results such as dermal fillers, anti ageing injectables, non surgical facelift, chemical peels, microneedling, PRP and radiofrequency, and these are commonly chosen by patients following facelift surgery.

How Many Times Can I Have a Facelift?

Medically, there is no limit on how many facelifts one person can have however it is rare that a patient would require more than 2 in their lifetime in order to achieve significant rejuvenating results. Responsible and experienced surgeons are unlikely to agree to perform a facelift more than 3-4 times on the same patient. 

Individual factors other than personal preferences that need to be taken into account include tissue quality, previous scarring, and overall health.

At a certain point, your surgeon is likely to recommend non-surgical alternatives to avoid or delay further surgery and achieve ongoing desired outcomes.

What is the Best Age for a Facelift?

There is no specific best age for a facelift, although generally, the procedure is sought by people in their 40s to 60s.

Some less invasive facelift procedures are suitable for those in their 30s, and some are more invasive for those older than their 60s so long as they remain in good health.

At the Cadogan Clinic, we aim to ensure that every patient receives the outcome that they desire and that the results last for as long as possible. This means we individualise our recommendations on a case by case basis, but would typically recommend the following age bands:

Micro facelift: 35-50
Mini facelift: 40-50
Traditional facelift: 45 +
Deep Plane: 45+

To learn more about which facelift surgeries might be best for you, visit this page.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Face & Eyes

Mini-Facelift

A mini facelift targets the lower face, jawline, and neck for slightly less invasive rejuvenation.

Face & Eyes

Face Lift (Rhytidectomy)

A facelift surgically lifts loose, sagging, and ageing skin for a more youthful appearance.

Injectables

Non-Surgical Face Lift

The non-surgical facelift, or liquid facelift, using dermal filler in the face to define and lift.

Face & Eyes