Home / Surgical Procedures / Face Procedures / Mini Facelift / How Long Do Mini Facelift Results Last?
A mini facelift is a less invasive procedure than a traditional facelift that focuses only on the bottom portion of the face. The results of the surgery typically last five to 10 years, but a number of factors can influence longevity. Here we’ll discuss what factors impact how long your results will last and provide some tips for keeping your new look as long as possible.
Many different components can affect how long your mini facelift results last. This is why, when asked how long the results of surgery will stay, plastic surgeons tend to give a range rather than a specific number. Many things affect how quickly your skin will again start to show signs of aging after your procedure—some you can control and others you cannot.
The more elastic your skin, the better your surgical results will be and the longer they will last. The amount of collagen in your skin determines elasticity, and collagen levels naturally decrease with age. Genetics also play a role in skin quality. People in your family may be prone to early or excessive wrinkling, both of which can cause signs of aging to return more quickly after a mini facelift.
How you care for yourself and by extension your skin will also affect mini facelift longevity. We know it gets old listening to doctors constantly preach about eating a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise, but these two factors have a tremendous impact on your overall health as well as the condition of your skin. Whether or not you smoke also matters, as do your amounts of sun exposure and stress.
Age may just be a number, but there is no way to make that number go backward. Time will keep marching on after your mini facelift and you will keep aging. Everyone’s body shows different signs of aging at different times, and how your skin and facial features change over time can impact how long your mini facelift lasts. Some patients notice changes in the appearance of their lower face six years after their procedure. Others enjoy their results for a decade or more.
Related: What is the Best Age to Get a Mini Facelift?
No matter what procedure you are considering, who you choose to perform it will always impact your results. The surgeon’s skill level and expertise matter to both how your mini facelift results look and how long they last. Surgical methods are also important. Medicine is always evolving, and the use of updated surgical techniques and cutting-edge medical equipment makes for better results that last longer.
Because the scope of a mini facelift is more limited, results of the mini procedure may not last as long as those from a traditional facelift. A traditional facelift can provide a refreshed, youthful look for 10 to 15 years while a mini facelift is more likely to last five to 10 years. The tradeoff is that a mini facelift is less invasive, making for a faster and easier recovery. A traditional facelift is a better option, however, if you wish to correct signs of aging on the mid to upper portions of the face.
Naturally, you want the results of your mini facelift to last as long as possible. You’ll be happy to know that there are several things that you can do to help prolong your results. You can:
You’ll probably not have any trouble recognizing the signs that it’s time for some touchups or a revision to your mini facelift procedure. It’s very likely that you’ll see some of the same signs of aging that led you to seek surgery the first time return. You may also notice some new and different issues. Returning signs of aging may include:
Surgical intervention in the form of a mini facelift revision surgery should generally not be necessary before the five- to 10-year expected duration of the procedure’s results. If earlier intervention is necessary, nonsurgical options such as Botox, fillers, laser resurfacing, and microneedling may prove effective for maintaining a youthful appearance.
A mini facelift isn’t a permanent way to stop the aging process, but it can provide a more youthful look for several years. There are things you can do along the way to help ensure that your surgical results last as long as possible, and choosing the right surgeon is one of them. The best way to learn more about how well a mini facelift can work for you is to speak with a qualified surgical consultant. We encourage you to schedule a free virtual consultation to be evaluated for the procedure and learn more about it.
Yes. A lack of sleep and lots of stress can both cause premature skin aging and shorten the duration of your mini facelift results, as can smoking, a poor skincare routine, and other lifestyle factors. A healthy lifestyle that includes a proper diet, exercise, and other healthy choices can help to prolong the results of your procedure.