The Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently published a study reporting high short-term and long-term satisfaction rates among facelift patients both the first year after facelift surgery and 10-15 years later.
More than 97 percent of patients reported their face lift outcome was “very good or beyond expectations” one year after their face lift, and more than 68 percent of face lift patients felt they looked 10 years younger and said their results continued to be “very good or beyond expectations” 10-15 years after face lift surgery.
A minority of patients (31 percent) who participated in the study indicated that they were disappointed by some aspect of their long-term face lift outcome, which suggests a majority of face lift patients experience a high degree of satisfaction with face lift results many years after surgery.
Each patient who participated in the study had a superficial musculoaponeurotic system–platysma face lift, or SMAS face lift, performed between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 1999. The study, which included total 89 face lift patients of study senior author Dr. John Owsley, is reportedly the first to measure long-term face lift patient satisfaction rates.
The SMAS facelift technique typically involves surgical repositioning and tightening the SMAS, which is a sheet of muscle and connective tissue on the cheek that contributes to facial expression.
A SMAS facelift offers patients more natural and longer lasting results than a subcutaneous, or skin-only, facelift, and is typically recommended to correct sagging skin and jowls. An extended SMAS facelift offers the same benefits as a SMAS facelift, in addition to correction of nasolabial folds.
When considering facelift surgery, it’s important not to get caught up in the catchy names, marketing terminology and particular surgical techniques. The most important step you can take to ensure optimal facelift results is to choose a highly experienced New York facelift surgeon who can customize your facelift procedure to achieve your unique facial rejuvenation goals.
