Study Reports Long-Term Facelift Patient Satisfaction Rates

The Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recently published what study authors report is the first statistical analysis of long-term satisfaction rates among facelift patients.

The study concluded that 10-15 years after undergoing surgery, the majority of facelift and neck lift patients felt they looked 10 years younger.  Additionally, more than 68 percent of facelift patients rated their results as “very good or beyond expectations” 10-15 years post-op.

Study authors Drs. Michael Friel, Matthew Trovato, Richard Shaw and John Owsley also reported that only 31 percent of participants indicated they were disappointed by some aspect of their long-term face lift outcome, which suggests that a majority of face lift patients experience a high degree of satisfaction with face lift results many years after surgery.

Dr. Owsley collected survey data from 89 of his patients who underwent a superficial musculoaponeurotic system–platysma facelift, or SMAS facelift, between January 1, 1994 and January 1, 1999.  The participants were initially surveyed one year after surgery, at which time more than 97 percent of facelift patients said their facelift results were “very good or beyond expectations,” and then the same patients were surveyed again 10-15 years after their SMAS facelift procedure.

The SMAS facelift differs from a conventional skin-only facelift in that deeper tissue layers are manipulated during surgery to provide more natural and longer-lasting results.

A SMAS facelift typically corrects sagging skin and jowls, as the sheet of muscle and connective tissue on the cheek that contributes to facial expression known as the SMAS is tightened and repositioned.  An extended SMAS facelift offers the same benefits as a SMAS facelift, in addition to correcting nose to mouth creases, or nasolabial folds.

If you’re considering a facial rejuvenation and skin tightening, don’t focus on brand names, marketing jargon and trying to make sense of complex surgical terminology.  Instead, trust your face to a highly experienced Boston face lift surgeon whose skill and artistry will help you achieve your unique facial rejuvenation goals.