It’s a question we get often: How long will my facelift last? Jacksonville patients want to know that their investment will pay off not just over the next few years, but for many years. Our answer? The lasting effects of your facelift are full up to you.

Technically, your facelift will last forever because the tissues that we remove during your surgery will never return. You likely will always look younger than you are – a thought that puts a youthful smile on anyone’s face, women and men alike. But you must keep in mind that your facelift doesn’t freeze time – only shifts it backwards, so to speak. You will continue to age, make no mistake. But there are many, many steps you can take to assure a youthful look far into the future.

First, understand exactly what issues can be addressed by a facelift. Jacksonville’s Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery makes it a priority to talk through every aspect of a procedure with our patients, assuring that they know exactly what’s in store. Many people believe that a facelift addresses issues of the entire face. Actually, facelifts address signs of aging primarily in the lower cheek and neck. Often additional procedures such as a browlift, forehead lift or lip enhancement need to be performed in order to achieve the full look you want.

For the best results, go into your facelift as healthy as possible. Adopt healthy eating habits, drink lots of water, exercise daily, eliminate smoking and excessive alcohol intake and, above all, learn to relax. Smoking, alcohol and stress are three of the biggest culprits when it comes to prematurely aging skin, making you look older than you really are.  If you haven’t already, begin a healthier regime as far in advance of your facelift procedure as possible. This will allow for quicker, more thorough healing. And be sure to continue your new health-conscious habits long after your facelift. Jacksonville area beaches, nature preserves, dog parks and riverwalks along with a year-round mild climate make it easy to get outside and get healthy.

While you’re enjoying all that sunshine, however, be sure to cover up when you’re outside in Jacksonville. Facelift patients are very sensitive to the sun for up to six weeks following their procedures, so we encourage you to limit your exposure. And even once you’re past the sensitivity window, be sure to use a high SPF moisturizer daily and don a wide-brimmed hat while strolling the beach to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

Over the years, you’ll begin to see signs of aging return. Maintain your facelift with noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures such as filler injections, chemical peels and laser treatments. And get into the habit of a morning-and-night skincare regime. We can help tailor a skincare program just for you with selections from our wide array of top-of-the-line skincare products. And take vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements to feed your beautiful skin. We suggest our Reviva system, developed by Drs. Garcia to address many common and potential skincare needs.

Any procedure is an investment in yourself, your looks and your future. If you’re considering a facelift, Jacksonville’s Garcia Institute is a top choice. Use our convenient online Click to Call feature to talk with a specialist today.