August 18, 2026 | 4 minute read
A rhytidectomy, the medical term for facelift surgery, is a popular procedure for patients who want to address visible signs of facial aging, such as sagging skin, jowls, nasolabial folds, and loss of youthful facial contours. Facelift surgery is designed to lift and reposition facial tissues to create a smoother, refreshed appearance.
Although no cosmetic procedure can prevent the natural aging process, facelift results can last for many years. Dr. Schwitzer offers individualized facelift surgery, including the deep plane facelift. The goal is optimal facial rejuvenation with natural-looking results that preserve the patient’s facial features.
Can I Combine a Neck Lift With a Facelift?
The short answer is yes! Neck lifts are commonly combined with a facelift, especially when aging affects the lower face and neck. Treating these together avoids an awkward mismatch of rejuvenating one area while leaving noticeable laxity in the other. This creates a seamless transition from the cheeks and jawline to the neck. Dr. Schwitzer’s practice offers combined facelift and necklift surgery for patients seeking more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.
Facelift
A traditional facelift, mini facelift, and deep plane facelift are different facelift options, and the right choice depends on the patient’s anatomy and concerns.
Essentially, patients can expect long-lasting results as, during the procedure, incisions are placed by the ears or along the hairline to lift and reposition deeper facial tissues (which can include the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) layer), tighten muscles, and remove excess skin or fat.
Neck Lift
A neck lift focuses on repositioning underlying neck tissues, tightening the platysma muscles, and removing excess skin or fat. The result is a smoother neck contour and a defined jawline.
For patients experiencing signs of aging in both areas, combining a neck lift and a facelift allows Dr. Schwitzer to address the face and neck as a unit, creating a more balanced, cohesive result that lasts for years.
How Long Can I Expect My Facelift Results to Last?
The longevity of a facelift varies from person to person, but results are measured by years rather than months. Each facelift technique has its own typical lifespan.
- Mini facelifts can last 5–10 years because they are less invasive and involve less deep tissue work.
- Traditional facelifts can last 7–10 years, as they refresh your facial baseline.
- Deep plane facelifts can last 10–15 years because the procedure releases facial ligaments and repositions structural layers, rather than just pulling the skin’s surface.
However, this does not mean your face will return to its pre-surgery appearance once that timeframe passes. A facelift improves visible signs of aging, but your skin and facial tissues will continue to change naturally over time.
How you care for your skin after a facelift can influence the longevity of your results. Make sure you follow Dr. Schwitzer’s postoperative care instructions during your facelift recovery. Consistently applying sunscreen, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, and establishing an appropriate skin care routine may help preserve skin quality and support your facelift results.
Will I Need a Future Facelift?
Whether you choose to have a facelift revision later on, which is a secondary facelift designed to correct, refine, or revise the results of a previous facelift, depends on how your face ages, how long you remain satisfied with your results, and your personal cosmetic goals. Some patients never undergo a facelift revision, while others may consider the secondary procedure years later as new skin laxity develops or neck changes occur.
Non-surgical treatments may also complement a facelift over time, such as dermal fillers or laser procedures. These sorts of treatments may be used alongside a facelift or after the procedure to enhance or maintain results.
Learn More About Facelifts in Miami Beach, FL
If you’re considering facelift surgery in Miami Beach, FL, and want to learn how long your results may last, Dr. Jonathan Schwitzer can create a treatment plan tailored to your facial anatomy, degree of sagging, and aesthetic goals. He is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon known for his unwavering dedication to patient care, leadership in cosmetic surgery, extensive training and experience, and delivering stunning results.
Schedule a consultation at Dr. Schwitzer’s practice and explore your facelift and neck lift options by calling (305) 865-2026 or filling out our online contact form.