A great skincare routine is very important to have and will postpone the need for serious anti-aging treatments, but no matter how much moisturizer and sunscreen you use, you inevitably will reach an age in which you just can’t stop the skin from cracking and drooping.

Positively, with the amount of non-surgical options now available to keep your face looking youthful, patients can wait an extra 5-10 years before a facelift is necessary. From fillers to laser skin resurfacing, there are plenty of options for patients under 50 looking to rejuvenate their faces who are not yet ready for a facelift.

But, regardless, we all reach an age at which a facelift becomes the best option. The decision to get a facelift is a huge investment in yourself, with some patients saying facelifts make them appear 10 to 15 years younger.

How long do the results of a facelift last?

Your face continues to age regardless of surgeries, so the results of a facelift are not permanent, but they typically endure for quite some time. You can expect to feel happy and confident in the results of your facelift for at least 10-12 years, according to RealSelf. Needless to say, they are longer lasting than less invasive options for fighting aging. 

Are facelifts more cost-effective and longer-lasting than non-invasive options?

One of the longest-lasting, non-invasive options for facial rejuvenation is an injectable filler known as Juvéderm Voluma XC. It targets the cheeks, with results lasting about 2 years. However, most fillers do not last over a year and require regular top-ups. The costs of non-surgical facelifts add up over a period of time as touch-ups are needed, Aesthetic Surgery Centre says.

These non-surgical, non-invasive options are still a great option, though. Especially for younger patients or those only requiring minor fixes. But it’s important to understand they are temporary fixes that simply postpone the need for a facelift.

The average cost of dermal fillers is about $1,200, and if you continually get them every one to two years, even when you are a great candidate for a facelift, you will end up paying about as much as a facelift within the 10-12 years you could have been enjoying your facelift results with no necessary revisits. 

The cost of your at-home skincare products adds up as well. SkinStore estimates that women in New York spend around $300,000 on skincare products over their lifetime. Data also shows the average American spends about $300 on skincare products each year, meaning you are spending about $3,000 on at-home skin treatments over the 10 years that facelift results last.

Healthy, youthful skin requires some monetary investment regardless of your route or the steps you take to keep your skin looking young and bright. Non-invasive, non-surgical options for facial rejuvenation are viable options when you are too young for a facelift, but there comes a point when they are both less time and cost-effective. Needing a facelift when you have reached the age at which it is the best option to rejuvenate your face is nothing to be ashamed of and is a great step in the direction of aging confidently. 

Facelift patients can enjoy a whole decade with a face glowing with youthful contour and shape. Results maintain well as long as you take care of your skin during this time. If you live a healthy lifestyle for your skin, facelift results should not drastically diminish at any point, but rather gradually as your skin continues to age after surgery.

Once your facelift results have declined, Dr. Kaplan can start discussing plans for your next facelift with you, but again, this will be after an entire decade of results that change gradually over time.

How do I take care of my skin to maximize and sustain facelift results?

Once you have had your facelift and the bruising and swelling have gone down within the first few weeks of recovery, you will see a noticeable improvement in excess skin and wrinkles, but being able to maintain great results well is up to you. Here are ways you can maximize your facelift results and reach the higher end of their longevity:

• Find a skincare routine that works for you
• Moisturize daily
• Wear sunscreen
• Avoid direct sun exposure when possible
• Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet
• Use non-surgical treatments and peels for small touch-ups

Why do facelifts last longer?

Dr. Kaplan goes way beyond the surface of the skin and manipulates tissues in the deeper layers of the face when he performs facelifts. During a traditional facelift, he tightens the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, or the SMAS layer, for natural, long-lasting results.

What should I do if I am considering a facelift?

Having a facelift is physically transformative but can also be transformative mentally, as it can boost your confidence and allow you to feel more comfortable in social situations. If the excess, drooping skin from aging on your face has left you overly self-conscious of your appearance in public spaces, a facelift can be life-changing.

If you feel that the long-lasting results of a facelift are worth it and you believe you fit the description of a good candidate, you should schedule your facelift consultation as soon as possible. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Kaplan.