Facelifts, a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at rejuvenating the face and neck, are increasingly popular, but their longevity and the aging process are complex. The surgery, which can cost upwards of $100,000, involves removing or repositioning excess skin and underlying tissue to address signs of aging.
Despite their growing popularity and discussion, even among celebrities, the exact duration of facelift results is often misunderstood. Figures like Kris Jenner, 70, and Denise Richards, 55, have publicly undergone procedures, sparking interest in their outcomes. Jenner, for example, debuted a refreshed look in 2025 after a procedure by plastic surgeon Dr. Steven M. Levine. Richards also underwent a significant lift in 2025 with Beverly Hills surgeon Dr. Ben Talei, which included a temporal brow lift, upper blepharoplasty, lip lift, and fat grafting.
However, plastic surgeons emphasize that facelifts do not halt the aging process. "A facelift typically lasts 10 years, and often longer," said Dr. Ira Savetsky, a New York City-based plastic surgeon. "It doesn't stop aging—it resets the tissues to a more youthful position, while gravity, collagen loss, skin laxity and volume changes continue over time." He noted that while the improvement is intended to be long-term and durable, it is not a permanent result.
Dr. David Shafer of Manhattan's Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue agreed, stating that a facelift can "reset the aging clock" but does not stop the natural progression of aging. "A good rule of thumb is that a facelift rejuvenates your appearance by about 10 years," Dr. Shafer explained. He added that the final outcome depends on various factors, including surgical technique, the patient's age, skin quality, lifestyle, and the use of maintenance treatments.
As time passes, the results of a facelift will naturally evolve. "It is normal," Dr. Shafer said. "As the tissues settle and patients continue to age, the appearance will evolve." To maintain results, many patients opt for ongoing treatments such as Botox, fillers, or other therapies.
Surgical techniques for facelifts have also advanced, now often including structural tissue rearrangement, volume replacement, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for bio-stimulation, and energy-based resurfacing. These modern approaches aim to achieve more natural-looking and gradually evolving changes.
For individuals who are dissatisfied with their facelift results, surgeons advise patience and consultation. Dr. Savetsky recommends allowing adequate healing time before discussing concerns with the original surgeon. If dissatisfaction persists, seeking a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in revision surgery is advised to explore safe and effective options.