Lately, it would seem that you can hardly notice the time-reversing effects of your facelift in the mirror anymore. While you once flaunted your young-looking, beauty filter-free face on video calls, now you catch yourself putting the filter back on. What happened? Northeastern Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Fodero explains the reasons why the results of your facelift in Florham Park, New Jersey, might not have lasted as long as you wished—and how to make it last longer.
How Do Facelifts Work?
They are not a one-size-fits-all—that’s the beauty! You can choose based on the results you want to get. Here’s a summary of the different types of facelifts you can get in Florham Park, New Jersey.
Deep Plane Facelift
A deep plane lift consists of releasing the tethering points in the face and offering a deep plane release between muscle layers. Without the tension forces, the results are longer-lasting and scars are a thing of the past.
SMAS-Lifting Procedures
The superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) lifting method mainly consists of pulling the skin upward. The reason why many people choose it is because of it’s very little downtime, which is why it’s also known as the “weekend lift”.
Skin Excision
A skin excision involves the removal of skin and rearranging it in a way that reverses aging patterns. These are also called “subcutaneous facelifts” and are popular because of the little recovery time and low-risk profile.
Fat Transfer
A facial fat transfer consists of taking fat from places where you have excess (the belly, the thighs or buttocks),and reinjecting it to add volume where you are lacking, in this case: the face.
👉 Learn more: The Glow Must Go On: How to Take Care of Your Skin After a Facelift
Why Hasn’t My Facelift Lasted?
Results and durability depend on the procedure chosen.
- Fat transfer: 5-7 years
- Deep plane facelift: 10-15 years
- SMAS-Lifting: 10-15 years
- Skin excision: 10-15 years
To maintain results for the stipulated time (if not even longer), patients should follow certain lifestyle habits. If your face is showing visible signs of aging again before it should, it may be due to the following reasons:
Excessive Sun Exposure
While a well-deserved vacation sipping margaritas at the beach is more than okay, you should mind how you go about sun exposure.
- Do not expose yourself directly to the sun. Not only is your skin vulnerable to sun damage during the first few months of your procedure, but in general. Whereas UV rays provide very-much needed vitamin D, too much can increase risk of developing skin cancer, as well as cause spots, blisters, wrinkles and burns.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and then every two/three hours during.
☝ Dr. Fodero recommends: The Glam Stellar Physical Defense SPF 50 spray sunscreen provides water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes and contains aloe vera and vitamin E.
- Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
- Avoid direct exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, which are peak UV radiation hours.
- Wear hats.
- Dr. Fodero discourages the use of tanning beds after a facelift, as the rays it emanates contain Ultraviolet radiation.
You Aren’t Following a Skincare Routine
A skin care routine is always important, but even more so in the aftermath of a facial procedure. Northeastern’s own medical aesthetician Luba Lander recommends the following morning routine:
- Start with a gentle cleanser, like the Glam Stellar Gentle Wash, which contains green tea polyphenols for sensitive skin.
- Apply a serum with hyaluronic acid to help hold moisture in. The Glam Stellar Hyaluronic Acid Serum provides all day moisture retention and repairs the skin barrier to help keep the skin hydrated.
- Moisturize. Hydration, hydration, hydration: apply a rich moisturizer with antioxidants and hydrators that target fine lines and wrinkles like the Glam Stellar Ultimate Revival Moisturizer.
- Protect. Finish your routine with a high-SPF sunscreen like the Glam Stellar Physical Defense.
At night, your routine should look similar, but with a few changes:
- Cleanse.
- Apply the Glam Stellar Restoring Night Serum, which combines DNA repair enzymes, a peptide complex and the most advanced retinoid to provide superior benefits without irritation.
- Moisturize.
⭐ Learn more: Autumn Glow Up: The Perfect Fall Skincare Routine For You
Genetic Factors
Your genetic makeup significantly determines how well and how long your lift results will last. People with naturally thicker skin tend to maintain their results longer because the skin provides better structural support for the repositioned tissues. Collagen and elastin production rates, which are largely hereditary, affect how quickly your skin loses firmness after surgery. Those with genes that support robust collagen synthesis often see more durable results.
Bone structure also plays a crucial role—individuals with prominent cheekbones and a strong jawline typically maintain their facelift results longer because the underlying skeletal framework provides better support for the repositioned soft tissues. Genetic variations in wound healing and scar formation can affect both the immediate surgical outcome and long-term durability.
Smoking
Smoking has a particularly devastating effect on facelift durability. Nicotine restricts blood flow to facial tissues, impairs healing, and accelerates collagen breakdown. Smokers typically see their results deteriorate 2-3 years earlier than non-smokers. Even secondhand smoke exposure can negatively impact results.
Environmental Factors
Environmental pollutants, harsh weather conditions, and repetitive facial expressions from lifestyle factors (like frequent squinting or frowning) can also contribute to faster aging of the surgical results.
Lifestyle Considerations for a Lasting Lift in Florham Park, New Jersey
Maintaining a stable weight is crucial for the durability of a facelift in Florham Park, New Jersey—significant weight fluctuations can stretch or deflate facial tissues, compromising the surgical outcome. A consistent skincare routine with retinoids, antioxidants, and proper moisturization can help preserve results by supporting ongoing collagen production and protecting against environmental damage.
The most durable results typically occur in patients who combine favorable genetics with diligent sun protection, healthy lifestyle choices, and consistent skincare maintenance. If you are looking to take years off your face—for a long time, make an appointment with Dr. Fodero in our New Jersey practice by calling (973) 295-6565 or using our online scheduling tool.