What Can You Do To Prolong The Results Of A Facelift?

There is no question that the facelift, or rhytidectomy, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed in America each year, and it is easy to see why! The dramatic and stunning results that can be achieved with a facelift can help a patient look better, feel incredible, and live their life with newfound confidence and excitement. The exceptional team of plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery performs hundreds of successful facelift procedures for highly satisfied patients in northern Virginia each year. 

What is a facelift?

Formally known as rhytidectomy, the facelift is a complex surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of a person’s face through the removal of fat, skin, and other tissues. The surgeon will tighten and manipulate one or more layers of the face, remove excess skin, and then drape the remaining skin over the face for a more taut, youthful, appealing look. There are several different facelift methods and variations, and your surgeon will help you determine which type of facelift is most appropriate for you. In some cases, it may be recommended that you combine complementary procedures with your facelift, such as a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift) or brow lift, to further enhance your results.

How long does a facelift last?

As with any cosmetic surgery, it is only natural to wonder how long your facelift results will last and what you can do to maintain them. Fortunately, a facelift can provide extremely long-lasting results when expertly performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. However, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations about their results and understand that a facelift does not slow down or stop the aging process. The surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery generally advise that facelift results can last up to 7 – 10 years before a revision or touch-up may be needed, as long as the patient practices healthy habits and follows their doctor’s recommendations for maintaining their new look. 

How can I make my facelift results last longer?

The longevity of a patient’s facelift results can depend on a variety of individual factors, including age, genetics, skin elasticity, behavior/habits, environment, and more. While the majority of patients can expect their striking new look to last for about 7 – 10 years, there are some men and women who go much longer before feeling like they need a second or subsequent procedure. Even though the aging process will continue to occur, there are certainly some things you can do to ensure your facelift results last for as long as possible, including:

• Check your diet: The health and overall appearance of the skin relies heavily on a balanced diet and adequate hydration. Pay close attention to what you are consuming each day, and make an attempt to eat a nourishing diet, adding additional vitamins and supplements as necessary, and drink plenty of water. A healthy diet also plays a vital role in complete and proper healing in the days and weeks immediately following surgery.
• Practice proactive skin care: An essential part of keeping your skin healthy, glowing, and gorgeous is to maintain a consistent skin care regimen. Medical-grade skin products, such as those available at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery, are exponentially more effective than most over-the-counter topical agents. During your consultation, preoperative, or postoperative appointment, your surgeon or aesthetician can discuss with you an appropriate collection of products that will be most useful in prolonging your facelift results.
• Avoid sun exposure: Without a doubt, avoiding sun exposure and harmful UV rays is one of the most beneficial things you can do for the health and appearance of your skin. Sun exposure can speed up the development of lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and other problems. If you have undergone a facelift. Avoiding the sun is even more important to prevent the premature breakdown of your results. Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing are two effective ways to minimize your risk of sun-related skin damage.
• Utilize additional treatments: Having additional procedures performed at the time of your facelift is a fantastic way to enhance your outcome. For instance, adding a neck lift to your facelift can improve the appearance of your chin, neck, and jowls more than a facelift can on its own. However, it is important to continue regular maintenance treatments to prolong your results and combat the subsequent development of lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.  

Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide array of nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatment options in northern Virginia to help keep you looking and feeling your best in the years after a facelift, including BOTOX®, injectable dermal fillers, laser skin resurfacing, and more.

What is the best age for a facelift?

Many patients are concerned that they are either too young or too old to undergo facelift surgery. However, there is no right or wrong age to have a facelift performed. In fact, age is less of a factor in determining a person’s eligibility for a facelift when compared to their skin elasticity, overall health, and other considerations. Many patients choose to have a facelift performed in their 60s, while some men and women opt for a less extensive procedure, such as a mini facelift, in their 40s. 

If you are interested in learning more about how a facelift can help you turn back the clock and give you the confidence to enjoy life to the fullest again, call Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Reston, VA to schedule your consultation. Our team of plastic surgeons is excited to help make your dreams come true!