Does a Facelift Make You Look Younger?

Yes, a facelift can make you look younger—typically by 5 to 10 years—by repositioning deeper facial tissues, tightening loose skin, and restoring more youthful facial contours rather than simply pulling the skin tight.

Aging is an unavoidable part of life, but that doesn’t mean you have to look older. One of the easiest ways for patients to turn back the clock is through the power of facelift surgery. As a plastic surgeon in Lexington and London, KY, I’ve helped countless men and women who wanted to look like younger versions of themselves. 

But can a facelift make you look younger? A few factors influence the answer to that question. 

Facelift Before and After Photos

How does a facelift make you look younger?

A facelift is a plastic surgery procedure that rejuvenates the lower two-thirds of the face. It lifts and adjusts loose, saggy skin and muscles that have drooped with time. Typically, the main target areas are the midface, jowls, and neck. It can correct moderate to significant aging by smoothing skin, sculpting the jawline, and creating a more youthful, angular profile. We perform different types of facelift techniques to address unique aging symptoms and concerns. 

How much younger do you look after a facelift?

In one study, medical students were randomly assigned to review photos of people and estimate their age. Those who had undergone no procedures were judged to be an average of 1.7 years younger than their actual age, while those who had undergone a facelift appeared to be an average of 8.9 years younger than their actual age.

And the good news doesn’t stop there. Other studies with identical twins found that a twin who has a facelift will continue to look younger than their sibling for years to come. This reaffirms what plastic surgeons have long known: Removing saggy skin, adjusting muscles, and smoothing out wrinkles create long-term anti-aging effects. 

Am I too young for a facelift?

Ideal facelift candidates are typically in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, who have lax skin on the lower face and flattened cheeks, or an ill-defined jawline.

If your signs of aging are less extensive, you may be a candidate for our specialized Lunch Hour Lift. This custom procedure is a traditional facelift alternative that combines facial fat grafting with dermal fillers, laser peels, and other nonsurgical treatments. 

How long do facelift results last?

The results of a traditional SMAS facelift typically last for 10 years or more, depending on your skincare habits and lifestyle. Applying sunscreen daily and staying hydrated can extend the life of your facelift results.

Ultimately, you can rest assured knowing that a facelift is a worthwhile investment. The surgery helps you look noticeably younger, and you can enjoy your results for years to come. Browse our before-and-after photos to see real examples of facelift results.

If you’re interested in a facelift in the Lexington or London, KY, area and would like to learn more, please request a consultation online or call (859) 277-9435 (Lexington) or (859) 277-8615 (London).

Updated December 2025