Are the results of my facelift permanent?

On average, you should expect the results of a mini facelift to last anywhere from 5 to 10 years, although individual experiences may vary.  

Since the mini lift procedure does not stop the ageing process, results are not permanent. While a mini facelift may allow you to look 5-10 years younger, the ageing process will still continue. This, however, doesn’t undo the results of your facelift and so the general expectation is that you will maintain an appearance that makes you look 5 – 10 years younger than you did previously.  

If you had a mini facelift when you were 60 and then had the appearance of a 50-year-old after surgery, you are always going to appear 10 years younger. So yes, you will age, but when you reach 70 you should have the appearance of someone who is 60. To see a selection of examples of mini lift surgical results, visit our mini facelift before and after page here. 

Lifestyle factors also play a part, as does genetic disposition. So whilst the effects of a mini facelift are considered to be long-term, and you can expect to enjoy a more youthful appearance for many years, you must limit sun exposure, and unhealthy choices such as smoking, poor diet and excessive alcohol intake. Maintenance treatments such as Anti Ageing Injectables and Dermal Fillers may also help.  

On average, you should expect the results of a traditional full facelift to last around 10 years, although individual experiences do vary.  

In general, the more comprehensive the tissue repositioning of the initial procedure, the more comprehensive and longer lasting the results. A Deep Plane facelift, for example, is a more comprehensive technique than a traditional facelift that targets even deeper layers of facial tissues and muscles. These typically last even longer, and around 10 to 15 years, or even longer in some men and women. 

There is no such thing as a truly permanent facelift. The ongoing impact of ageing and gravity on skin elasticity, collagen levels and skin quality, eventually begin to age the face.

Facelift recovery and aftercare are crucial for achieving long-lasting and optimal results. With the correct care in this vital immediate recovery phase, you can help minimise complications, ensure proper healing and improve the longevity of your facelift outcomes. Typical recommendations include minimising activities, elevating your head when you sleep, managing your swelling and following all your surgeon's instructions.

At the Cadogan Clinic, we take this recovery phase very seriously, and our 24 hour team will oversee your recovery. You will be seen regularly after your surgery to check in on your progress and any aftercare needs. This includes an appointment with our nursing staff 1-2 weeks after your procedure and then a 6-week review that is carried out by your surgeon. There is also 24/7 access to our specialist team should you need any support and advice.  

Medically, there is no limit on how many facelifts one person can have however it is rare that a patient would require more than 2 in their lifetime in order to achieve significant rejuvenating results. Responsible and experienced surgeons are unlikely to agree to perform a facelift more than 3-4 times on the same patient.  

Individual factors other than personal preferences that need to be taken into account include tissue quality, previous scarring, and overall health. 

At a certain point, your surgeon is likely to recommend non-surgical alternatives to avoid or delay further surgery and achieve ongoing desired outcomes.  

There is no specific best age for a facelift, although generally, the procedure is sought by people in their 40s to 60s.  

Some less invasive facelift procedures are suitable for those in their 30s, and some are more invasive for those older than their 60s so long as they remain in good health.  

At the Cadogan Clinic, we aim to ensure that every patient receives the outcome that they desire and that the results last for as long as possible. This means we individualise our recommendations on a case by case basis, but would typically recommend the following age bands:  

• Micro facelift: 35-50 
• Mini facelift: 40-50  
• Traditional facelift: 45 + 
• Deep Plane: 45+  

To learn more about which facelift surgeries might be best for you, visit this page.