A facelift is an aesthetic surgery procedure designed to renew and firm skin through various techniques. But one question arises: are its effects sustained over time?
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How does a facelift age?
Summary
Published June 27, 2025,
updated on June 27, 2025,
by
Lilia, Scientific Editor
—
5 min read
What is a facelift?
The lift is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to rejuvenate and firm skin by removing excess fat and skin. This excess can cause sagging regardless of its location on the body. The lift can be performed on various areas, notably the face, neck, arms, abdomen, thighs, calves, or buttocks. Regardless of the area treated, the principle of the procedure remains the same, as do the preoperative and postoperative steps to follow.
A facelift does not stop aging, it temporarily slows it.
Before any procedure, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is essential. The surgeon explains the operation steps, potential risks, and postoperative instructions. They also collect medical history, allergies, current treatments, and other necessary information. Additional tests, such as blood analysis or X-ray, may be ordered to confirm patient eligibility for the operation. The facelift follows these main steps: administration of local or general anesthesia as needed, incisions to access underlying tissues, skin undermining, removal of excess fat and skin, tightening of muscles to firm the area, then closure of incisions with sutures and application of a dressing.
Each type of lifting requires a recovery period during which healing occurs. Rigorous postoperative follow-up is necessary, with specific recommendations provided by the surgeon to ensure optimal recovery.
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How does a facelift age?
Following a successful facelift, it is common to assume the results are permanent. However, this is not the case. The longevity of a facelift’s effects depends on several factors, including techniques used by the surgeon, the patient’s profile, lifestyle, treated area, and the natural aging process. On average, facelift results remain visible for 10 to 15 years after the procedure. After that time, effects may diminish and the skin laxity reappear. Over time, the gravity, collagen loss, and decreased skin elasticity reassert their effect: progressive laxity may reappear, particularly in the neck, jowls, or eyelids. However, this duration often varies from one individual to another. It is therefore essential to adopt specific habits to prolong the effects of the procedure to the maximum.
A study examined the time between primary and secondary facial lifts in 42 patients (9 men and 33 women, mean age 50.7 years). Results displayed in a histogram represent the distribution of the interval in years between the first and second lifts by patient count. The intervals range from 1 to 34 years. 3 and 21 years after the first, with peaks around 7, 11, 13, 17, and 21 years. The most common interval is between 10 and 20 years. One case showed a second lift 34 years after the first.
Distribution of the interval in years between a primary and secondary facelift by 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 some patients choose to repeat it based on skin aging or desired outcome.
There is no universal time frame; deciding on a subsequent procedure depends on the individual.
Although skin aging is an inevitable process, it can be slowed with a tailored care routine including nourishing, hydrating, and antioxidant products. Preventing new fat accumulation is crucial. This requires a balanced diet and regular physical activity. These measures help preserve the benefits of a lift for longer.
SHORR N. et al. The deep plane facelift: a 20-year evolution in technique. Ophthalmology (2000).
Svehlak S. et al. The volumetric face lift. Aesthetic Surgery Journal (2004).
CONNELL B.F. et al. Longevity of SMAS facial rejuvenation and support. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2010).
Narasimhan K et al. Long-Term Results in Face Lifting: Observational Results and Evolution of Technique. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2016).
Elbert E et al. Achieving Better Results in Facelifts. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (2019)
FRIEDMAN O. et al. Facelift Surgery: History, Anatomy, and Recent Innovations. Facial Plastic Surgery (2020).
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