How Long Do Results Last after Facial Cosmetic Surgery?

If you have decided to undergo a facial cosmetic surgical procedure, you are making a substantial investment in improving your appearance. As with any investment, you want the best possible results that will last as long as possible. You will want to know how long you can expect the results from your facial cosmetic surgery to last and what you can do to ensure that you benefit from the results for as long as possible.

Our staff at Jefferson Plastic Surgery fields such questions from prospective patients on a regular basis. Read further to find out more about ways in which you can get the most out of your facial surgery results.

How Long Do Results Last?

There is no question that results from a surgical procedure, such as a facelift, will last longer than those from a minimally invasive procedure, such as Botox or dermal fillers. Surgical procedures are designed to address issues at a deeper level than just under the surface of the skin. While results from minimally invasive procedures may only last up to 18 months, you can expect results from surgery to last significantly longer.

While facial surgical procedures will dramatically slow the aging process, they do not entirely stop it. As a general rule, our surgeons use the guideline that the results from a full facelift are expected to last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

Factors such as age, genetics, and skin quality can also play a role in longevity of results.

Tips to Maintain Your Facial Procedure Results

The most important thing you can do to maintain the results from your surgery is to follow all of the post-surgical instructions from your surgeon. Additionally, you should come for all your follow-up appointments so that they can follow your recovery progress. Other tips include:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure, which can dry out your face and make any scars more noticeable. Use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), and wear a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses.
• Keep hydrated by drinking 64 ounces of water per day and using a daily moisturizer for your face. Avoid carbonated sugary sodas, which can actually dehydrate you.
• Stop tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Tobacco smoke dries out the skin, and alcohol can increase the risk for excessive bleeding both during and after surgery. Furthermore, both can delay incision healing after surgery. Our surgeons recommend stopping both at least three weeks prior to your surgery.
• Maintain a healthy weight after surgery with a combination of regular exercise and a balanced, low-fat diet. Not only will it help you extend the results from your procedure, but it will also give you more energy and vitality, which will also show in your face.

When you make that investment in your appearance, you want to get the best possible results. You also want to have them last as long as possible. By following good lifestyle habits, you will be able to maintain your youthful appearance for as long as possible.