How long will your facelift last?

There are a number of variables that determine how long a facelift will last. While it is true some tissues relax sooner than others, the biggest factor is the technique utilized by the surgeon. Dr. Core classifies all facelifts into two basic categories: the “plication lift” and the “tissue transposition” lift.

A plication lift, the most common technique, is quick with minimal downtime but tends to lose effect sooner. It relies on sutures woven back and forth like a shoestring to draw tissue together without releasing deeper attachments, creating tension that may fail earlier.

The other category, a tissue-transposition lift, releases tissues from their attachments before lifting and securing them in a new position. Because the tissues are advanced and reattached, they develop new support that relies not only on sutures but also on fresh adhesions, reducing tension. Deep-plane and extended sub-SMAS lifts fall into this category.

Dr. Core routinely utilizes tissue-transposition lifts in his practice, even for mini lifts, to extend longevity for patients at our plastic surgery center.