Facelifts tighten lax skin, reduce the appearance of jowls, and smooth wrinkles and folds on the cheeks. But they aren’t the only cosmetic procedures that can do that. People are increasingly interested in nonsurgical facelift alternatives such as BOTOX and dermal fillers (also known as the “liquid facelift”) or laser treatments to tighten and resurface the skin for a youthful glow.
If you’re considering a facial rejuvenation procedure, you may wonder whether surgery or a minimally invasive approach is right for you. The question of “How long does a facelift last?” often becomes an important consideration, especially when factoring in the expense and downtime compared to nonsurgical options.
We’ll help you weigh your different options so you can feel confident in your choice of cosmetic procedure. Whether you choose to undergo surgery or not, Dermatology Associates of Rochester has you covered!
Facelift
A surgical facelift can turn the clock back by as many as 10 to 15 years. While it doesn’t stop the aging process entirely, you will enjoy a more youthful appearance as you age than if you had never had a facelift.
The surgery targets the lower two-thirds of the face, where gravity causes the most significant sagging in the structural and fatty layers beneath the skin. Patients often incorporate a neck lift into their procedure to create youthful continuity.
Length of Facelift Results
The lifespan of a facelift will ultimately depend on the patient. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sun exposure can damage the skin and accelerate the aging process, while significant fluctuations in weight may also stretch or loosen the skin.
Most patients can enjoy their facelift results for 10 years or more before having a follow-up procedure to maintain their looks. Others are content to keep up their results with nonsurgical options instead.
Nonsurgical Alternatives
Cosmetic dermatology can produce remarkable results when revitalizing the face. Some of the most popular treatments we offer at Dermatology Associates of Rochester include:
Dermal Fillers
As we age, we lose volume in our temples, tear troughs, cheeks, and lips, and gravity causes fat to migrate downward, creating jowls and a saggy chin and jawline. Dermal fillers such as JUVEDERM® and Restylane® plump the skin to fill in folds and fine lines and restore youthful contouring to the face.
Dermal fillers are a long-lasting injectable treatment. Depending on the specific filler used and the areas being targeted, results can last between 6 months and 2 years before a maintenance treatment is needed.
Neuromodulators
The other half of the “liquid facelift,” injectable neurotoxins such as BOTOX® and DAXXIFY® temporarily block the muscle from contracting. The face then looks more relaxed and rested as furrows are eased, wrinkles are smoothed, and expression lines are neutralized.
Patients often find that neuromodulator treatments last 3 to 4 months, with DAXXIFY lasting up to 6 months or more. Your dermatologist will typically recommend a “top up” regimen to preserve your results throughout the year.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
Dermatology Associates of Rochester offers a wide spectrum of laser and light treatments to treat mature, damaged skin and reveal the healthy, vibrant skin beneath. Some of our most popular options include:
- Contour TRL™ – Targets deep wrinkles around the mouth and eyes and improves the skin’s overall tone and texture
- Halo™ Pro – Addresses visible signs of aging and corrects discoloration
- Forever Young BBL™ – Fades freckles and age spots and can make the skin firmer
- PicoWay® Laser – Smooths wrinkles, breaks up excess pigmentation, and treats acne scars
The results of these treatments can last 2 to 5 years if you actively protect and nourish your skin with sunscreen, quality skincare products, proper hydration, and a nutritious diet.
Skin Tightening
As our faces age, they lose some of their structural integrity, leading to loose, drooping skin. Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures can stimulate collagen production, creating a more robust structural framework for the skin.
Three ways that this can be achieved include:
- Ultherapy® – Ultrasound imaging and ultrasonic energy are used to precisely target the deeper layers of the dermis. Ultherapy is FDA-cleared for its ability to lift and tighten the skin.
- Profound™ – Microneedling combined with pulses of radiofrequency energy capitalize on the body’s natural healing response as the micro-punctures prompt collagen production
- SkinTyte™ – Thermal energy heats the tissues beneath the skin, causing the body to produce collagen in response
These treatments can last 3 to 6 months (SkinTyte), 2 years (Ultherapy), or even up to 4 years (Profound) before a maintenance treatment may be beneficial.
1 + 1 = 3: Our Approach to Facial Rejuvenation
So, should you choose a facelift or pursue nonsurgical options? Why not choose both?
Dr. Calvin Young, our team’s highly accomplished plastic surgeon, often uses a combination approach to revitalize the face. In his 2021 webinar on facial aging surgery, he describes how a surgical facelift can be enhanced with nonsurgical interventions. In a “1 + 1 = 3” treatment plan, the “whole” (the aesthetic outcome) is greater than the sum of its parts (surgery plus nonsurgical treatments).
Patients can help prep their skin for their operation by nonsurgically addressing:
- Discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and sunspots
- Wrinkles and folds
- Skin laxity
The result? Fresh and vibrant skin that complements the youthful contours of your facelift. In addition, by kick-starting the production of collagen and elastin—the building blocks of healthy, firm skin—these nonsurgical procedures create a strong foundation to support your new look for years to come.
I especially like Dr Young. He listens and and he is amazing at what he does… I literally look younger than when I first walked in.
-5-Star Review by H. Bailey on Google
What Approach Is Best For Me?
Many patients may choose nonsurgical procedures because they are unwilling to go through surgery or want to postpone having surgery until they feel more ready. Others see them as a way to prolong their facelift results.
When deciding between a surgical, nonsurgical, or combination approach, consider whether the ongoing cost of maintenance treatments makes sense versus the one-time fee of a surgical procedure.
The extent of your concerns is another important factor. The most sustainable and profound changes can only be achieved through surgery. However you choose, we are here to answer your questions and guide you through each step of the process. Please request a consultation or call us at (585) 272-0700 to discuss your facial rejuvenation options.
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