Sometimes, when you are considering facial plastic surgery or a non-invasive treatment, the big question isn’t "How much will this cost me?" or "How much downtime will I need?" but "How long will the results last?" When you’re committing to a procedure or spending a considerable sum of money on a treatment, you want to get results that last for a decent amount of time, even if they aren’t permanent. Knowing how long you have until the effect wears off can help you determine the procedure that’s most appropriate for you.
Injectables
When it comes to injections, the duration of results can be anywhere from just a few months to two years or even longer. The results from a treatment of Botox tend to have the shortest shelf life, usually just three months. But, some people do continue to see results for as long as six months. It’s also possible to repeat the treatment after three or six months, so that you continue to see the effect of the injection. In some cases, repeated injections of Botox over the years can make the frown lines or crow’s feet less likely to return, seeming to prolong the duration of results.
In the case of injectable fillers, how long the results last depends on the main ingredient and the thickness of the filler. Thinner hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm XC typically provide results that can last for anywhere from six to 18 months. A thicker hyaluronic acid filler, namely Juvederm Voluma, which is used to add volume to the cheek area, can provide results that last for up to two years.
Radiesse, a heavier filler, made of a calcium hydroxyapatite and used to treat deeper creases, can also last for a significant amount of time, longer than a year, and up to two years in some instances. Radiesse works in two ways, which can explain its durability. It first instantly fills in lines and creases. It then works to stimulate the production of collagen beneath the skin, prolonging the results even after the initial substance has worn off.
Facelift
Surgical procedures typically last a lot longer than injections. While a long lasting injectable typically provides results for about two years, a procedure such as a facelift can provide results that last for a decade, or even longer in some cases. It’s worth it to think of a facelift like this: the surgery can take five, 10 or even 15 years off of your appearance. While it won’t stop the clock, it will allow you to rewind. That means in 10 years or so, you might be ready to rewind again by having a second procedure, or you might decide that you are content with the way you look now.
Rhinoplasty
Unlike a facelift and some other types of facial plastic surgery, a rhinoplasty isn’t usually performed to take years off of a person’s appearance. Instead, it is often performed to correct a physical issue with the nose that impacts its appearance or that somehow affects its function. For that reason, the results from a rhinoplasty are usually permanent.
That’s not to say that some years down the road a person might find themselves unhappy with the way their nose looks again. While the nose might not change much as you age, other areas of the face do, which can affect the way the nose looks. For example, losing a lot of facial volume can make once well proportioned nose look larger.
Can You Prolong Results?
While you can’t stop time, you might be able to maximize the results you get from a facelift, other facial plastic surgery or injectable. For example, taking good care of your overall health can help you avoid some of the external causes of aging. Protecting your skin from the sun, for example, will shield you from one of the leading causes of aging. Quitting smoking will also help you prolong your surgical results.
After surgery, injectables might be able to help you prolong or maintain your results or help you achieve a balanced look. For example, you might decide to have Botox injections after a facelift, since the surgery focuses on the lower area of the face and Botox injections are commonly used to smooth lines near the forehead.
Whether you’re considering surgery or injections or have already had them and are looking for ways to make your results last, Dr. Michael Schwartz, a facial plastic surgeon in West Palm Beach, Florida, can help. Dr. Schwartz can help you choose the treatment or treatments that best meet your needs or he can give you advice for maintaining your results. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Schwartz, call 561-228-5888 today.