“A thing of beauty is a joy forever,” a great poet once wrote. Plastic surgeons and their patients wish this were always true. Sometimes beauty requires a slight nip or tuck along the way. Even the most lasting plastic surgery procedure may need to be enhanced at some point.
In the case of a facelift, many patients wonder: How long will their newly reclaimed youthful look endure? Below, experienced Sacramento plastic surgeon Dr. Donald Hause discusses what to expect from the facelift, including ways you can preserve your revitalized appearance far into the future.
Reeling in the Years
Facelift performed by a skilled plastic surgeon will typically last about 10 years. The range of results is dependent upon the type of facelift you choose, the flexibility of your skin, and certain lifestyle factors, such as whether you smoke. Limited procedures such as the so-called “mini facelift” may last two to four years, and revisions may last up to seven years. In addition to paring years off your appearance, a facelift has the effect of slightly improving the strength and resiliency of the skin.
The actual duration depends in part on the choices that you make. By practicing the following behaviors, you can help maximize your results.
Don’t Smoke
Smoking dries the skin and draws wrinkles across your face. It makes you look older and feel less energetic and shortens the time you can expect to enjoy the results of a facelift.
Avoid Excessive Sunlight
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are extremely harmful to your skin. Not only will excessive sun exposure imperil the results of a facelift, but it will also create sun spots and other permanent marks on your skin.
Follow a Skin Care Routine
Moisturizing your skin each day helps preserve the smooth, supple look that is shaped. Dr. Hause and his team can recommend specific products that are especially facelift-friendly. Topical retinoid products, for example, can nourish and revitalize the skin, magnifying the results of your facelift procedure.
Exercise and Eat Healthfully
Not only are physical activity and a sensible diet good for your body, but they also boost your circulation and add a healthy glow to your skin. Your body needs key nutrients to build resilient skin, and eating a wide array of nutritious foods, and avoiding overindulging in processed items, will help ensure your body has the tools it needs to maintain the integrity of your facelift profile.
To learn more about facelifts, call Sacramento Aesthetic Surgery at (916) 646-6869 or send us an email to schedule a consultation.
