How Long Do Results Last After a Facelift?

August 12, 2026

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Understanding how long a facelift lasts is one of the most important questions patients ask when considering this procedure in Vancouver, BC. At Pacific Plastic Surgery, Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss brings nearly two decades of international surgical experience and dual fellowship credentials to every consultation, offering personalized, evidence-informed guidance that helps patients make confident decisions. Whether you are just beginning your research or ready to book a consultation, the answers below provide a thorough, honest starting point. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tregaskiss to discuss your individual goals and learn what facelift results may look like for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Facelift Lasts in Vancouver, BC

What is a facelift, and what does the procedure address?

A facelift, or rhytidectomy, is a surgical procedure that addresses visible signs of facial aging by repositioning underlying facial tissues, tightening the deeper structural layer known as the SMAS, and removing or redistributing excess skin. The procedure may help reduce the appearance of jowls, sagging cheeks, deep facial folds, and lax skin along the lower face and jawline. It is not a surface-level treatment; instead, it works at a structural level to create a more refreshed, naturally youthful appearance. Explore our full range of facial plastic surgery procedures in Vancouver to understand how a facelift may fit into a broader treatment plan.

How long does a facelift last on average?

How long a facelift lasts depends on several factors, but research and clinical experience suggest that results commonly persist for seven to ten years or longer in many patients. Because a facelift repositions and tightens the underlying facial structures rather than just the skin surface, the improvements tend to last longer than non-surgical alternatives. Patients who undergo the procedure in their 50s or early 60s often find they continue to look younger than they would have without the surgery, even as natural aging continues.

How does a facelift work to create longer-lasting results?

The longevity of facelift results largely depends on the surgical approach used on the SMAS layer, the fibromuscular tissue that underlies the skin. When this deeper layer is repositioned and secured, the outcome is more stable than treatments that address only the skin’s surface. Dr. Tregaskiss applies technical precision informed by nearly two decades of surgical experience across the UK, Australia, and Canada to achieve natural, enduring outcomes. Complementary treatments such as Erbium laser resurfacing ContourTRL may help maintain skin quality between procedures.

Am I a good candidate for a facelift?

Good candidates for a facelift generally have noticeable facial sagging, jowling, or laxity in the lower face and neck area and are in good overall health. Candidates should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can and cannot achieve. Factors such as skin elasticity, bone structure, prior surgeries, and lifestyle habits may all influence candidacy and outcomes. A thorough in-person or virtual consultation with Dr. Tregaskiss is the most reliable way to determine whether a facelift is appropriate for your specific anatomy and aesthetic goals. To learn more about Dr. Tregaskiss’s background and approach, visit his surgeon profile page.

Who is a facelift right for, and who may not be a suitable candidate?

A facelift may be most appropriate for adults, typically in their 40s through 70s, who are experiencing moderate to significant facial aging and are not achieving their goals through non-surgical options. Patients who smoke, have uncontrolled medical conditions, or have unrealistic expectations about results may not be ideal candidates at the time of their consultation. Dr. Tregaskiss takes a thorough, individualized approach to candidacy assessment, drawing on his fellowship training from the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Honest candidacy evaluation is central to the patient experience at Pacific Plastic Surgery.

What can I expect during a facelift consultation and procedure?

During your consultation, Dr. Tregaskiss will review your medical history, assess your facial anatomy, discuss your aesthetic goals, and explain the surgical approach that may best suit you. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations for patients throughout the Vancouver area and beyond. On the day of your procedure, the surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours depending on the complexity of the plan. Combining a facelift with a neck lift in Vancouver is a common approach for patients seeking comprehensive lower face and neck rejuvenation.

How long does the facelift procedure itself take?

The surgical duration of a facelift typically ranges from three to five hours, though this varies based on the techniques employed and whether complementary procedures such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery are performed concurrently. Combining procedures in a single surgical session can be an efficient option for patients who want to address multiple areas of facial aging at once. During your consultation, Dr. Tregaskiss will provide a personalized surgical plan that outlines the expected procedure length. You can view real patient outcomes in the face and neck lift before-and-after photo gallery to better understand what the procedure may achieve.

What is the recovery like after a facelift?

Recovery from a facelift involves an initial period of swelling and bruising that most patients tolerate well with appropriate post-operative care. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities within two weeks, though they should avoid strenuous exercise and sun exposure longer, as directed by Dr. Tregaskiss. Final results, including the full resolution of swelling, may take several months to fully emerge. Supporting skin health during recovery through medical-grade skincare, including options from the in-house Skinstitute line, may help optimize your healing.

Do you serve patients from surrounding areas outside of Vancouver?

Yes. Pacific Plastic Surgery serves patients from throughout the Greater Vancouver region, including Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, and beyond. Virtual consultations are available for those who prefer to begin the process remotely or who are traveling from outside the Lower Mainland. Dr. Tregaskiss has built a practice that accommodates patients from across British Columbia and internationally, reflecting his reputation for delivering natural, high-quality results. For information on office locations and how to connect with the team, visit the offices and team page.

What makes Pacific Plastic Surgery different for facelift patients in Vancouver?

Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss holds dual fellowship credentials from both the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, placing him among a select group of surgeons with this level of international accreditation. His medical degree from University College London Medical School, combined with nearly two decades of experience across three countries, informs an approach that prioritizes precision, safety, and natural-looking outcomes. Pacific Plastic Surgery maintains a 5-star rating on both Google and RateMDs, reflecting a consistent record of patient satisfaction across more than 1,000 cases. Patients receive individualized care at every stage of their journey.

What factors influence the cost of a facelift in Vancouver?

Several variables influence the cost of a facelift in Vancouver, including the complexity of the surgical plan, whether complementary procedures such as a neck lift or eyelid surgery are included, anesthesia fees, facility costs, and the surgeon’s experience. Because every patient’s anatomy and goals differ, a personalized quote is best obtained through a direct consultation. Pacific Plastic Surgery encourages patients to prioritize surgeon credentials and surgical quality when evaluating their options, as these factors meaningfully affect both safety and long-term results.

Is a facelift a safe procedure, and what are the common concerns patients have?

A facelift is a well-established surgical procedure with a strong safety profile when performed by a qualified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in an accredited facility. As with any surgical procedure, risks include temporary swelling, bruising, changes in sensation, and the possibility of revision. Dr. Tregaskiss’s dual fellowship credentials and extensive experience in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery support a rigorous approach to patient safety and surgical planning. Patients are encouraged to ask thorough questions during their consultation and to review the Pacific Plastic Surgery blog for educational resources on the procedure.

Why Choose Pacific Plastic Surgery for Your Facelift in Vancouver?

Dr. Ashley Tregaskiss is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Vancouver with over 20 years of experience and a focus on advanced facial and neck rejuvenation. After a decade at Vancouver General Hospital treating complex craniofacial and head and neck conditions, he transitioned fully into private practice in 2024, bringing exceptional anatomical expertise and surgical precision to his aesthetic work.

Patients at Pacific Plastic Surgery benefit from individualized care plans, in-person and virtual consultations, and a practice culture that emphasizes honest communication and natural-looking outcomes. With a 5-star rating across Google and RateMDs and more than 1,000 satisfied patients, the practice has established a trusted reputation across the Greater Vancouver region and beyond.

Ready to Learn More About Your Facelift Options in Vancouver?

If you are ready to explore how long a facelift lasts and what results may be achievable for your specific goals, Dr. Tregaskiss and the Pacific Plastic Surgery team are here to help. Serving Vancouver, BC and surrounding communities, we offer both in-person and virtual consultations to fit your schedule. Contact our Vancouver office today to take the next step toward a more refreshed, natural appearance.