Hello, I'm Yoosuk Chung, plastic surgeon at TheLINE Plastic Surgery.
Will my skin and wrinkles improve too after a facelift?
We've looked at why the face sags one topic at a time — genetics and environmental factors, the difference between skin and the SMAS layer "Why Doesn't My Firming Cream Work?: The part of Sagging Skincare Can't Reach", how neck lines relate to facelifts "Does a Facelift Also Get Rid of Neck Lines?", and why the under-eye to upper-cheek area hollows first "Everything Else Looks Fine: So Why Does Just the Under-Eye/Upper Cheek Area Hollow First?". That naturally raises the next question: "So what exactly improves once I get a facelift?"
To get straight to the point: a facelift repositions tissue that has descended due to gravity — it addresses position, not the skin's own texture. A sagging jawline, loose neck skin, and excess skin can be improved with a facelift, but fine lines, skin texture, pigmentation, and volume loss are separate issues that a facelift alone doesn't resolve.
Why is there a line drawn between what's addressed and what isn't?
Facial aging results from two overlapping factors. One is "sagging" caused by gravity and weakened tissue support; the other is aging of the skin itself, driven by UV exposure and collagen loss. Since a facelift primarily repositions soft tissue including the SMAS layer, it's effective for the first factor (sagging) but doesn't directly affect the second (changes in skin quality).
Think of it like a curtain that's faded and thinned, and has slipped off its hooks to droop down. A facelift re-hangs that curtain taut, back in its original position — but it doesn't replace the faded, worn fabric itself. The curtain's position improves, but the fading itself still needs separate care.
How does the actual research describe this boundary?
A study published in 2026 confirmed that surgery alone often cannot fully address aging changes such as skin texture, tone, and volume loss[1]. The study analyzed cases of patients who received non-surgical treatments such as laser and fillers before and after a facelift, finding that patients felt they looked, on average, 4 to 5 years younger after non-surgical treatments, and about 8 years younger after a facelift[1]. This suggests the two approaches address different domains and can work complementarily when combined.
A systematic review summarizing the effects of fat grafting on skin quality also notes that while there's evidence autologous fat grafting can help improve skin texture in some cases, this should be understood as the effect of a separately added procedure rather than an effect of the facelift itself[2].
So how long do facelift results last?
A study on the longevity of SMAS facelift results reported that the correction of sagging tends to be maintained for a considerable period[3]. That said, this pertains specifically to "how quickly sagging recurs" — it doesn't change the fact that natural aging and changes in the skin itself continue to progress after the procedure.
In summary, a facelift is effective at reversing the "position" problem of sagging, and this effect tends to be maintained for a considerable period. However, "texture" issue like skin quality or volume loss fall into a separate category requiring their own management (laser, fillers, fat grafting, etc.).
Individual variation and things to keep in mind
How long the correction of sagging is maintained can very depending on individual skin condition, rate of aging, and lifestyle.
Whether to combine other procedures such as laser, fillers, or fat grafting for skin texture or volume improvement is best decided through an individual consultation.
Changes in the skeleton itself, such as bone remodeling, fall outside what a facelift — which addresses soft tissue — can correct.
The studies cited above analyze the scope of a procedure's effects; they do not guarantee results for any specific individual.
Three Key takeaways
1. A facelift repositions sagging tissue; it doesn't change the skin's own texture or tone.
2. Research also shows that surgical and non-surgical approaches address different domains (position vs. texture) and work complementarily when combined[1].
3. The correction of sagging tends to be maintained for a considerable period, but skin texture and volume loss remain areas that require separate, ongoing care[3].
Whether a facelift alone is sufficient for your needs, whether combining it with other procedures would help, is best confirmed through an in-person consultation with a specialist.
How a facelift actually repositions tissue — the specific surgical techniques involved — is something we'll cover in the next article.
By Dr. Yoosuk Chung (Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon)
--- Sources
1. Myers et al. Injectables and Facelift: Can We Coexist? A Retrospective Chart Review Assessing Injectable Treatments Preceding and Following Rhytidectomy. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2026. PMC 12887548
2. van Dongen JA, Langeveld M, van de Lande LS, Harmsen MC, Steven HP, van der Lei B. The Effects of Facial Lipografting on Skin Quality: A Systematic Review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019. PubMed 31688753
3. Sundine MJ, Kretsis V, Connell BF. Longevity of SMAS facial rejuvenation and support. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2010;126(1):229-237. PubMed 20871488
This article summarizes questions around the scope and limitations of facelift procedures based on research published in academic journals. Please consult a specialist to confirm your individual condition and the right approach for you.