How often does one have to repeat cosmetic surgery procedures?

By now most patients who do facial rejuvenation with injectables know these products do not last forever. BOTOX® or Dysport® can last 3 – 6 months for some, while fillers (i.e. Juvederm, Restylane or even collagen stimulators like Sculptra) may last 6 months to over 2 years.

Surgical Procedures

For surgical procedures, the repeat time is much different. Typically cosmetic surgeries that do not need repeating are rhinoplasty, (nose reshaping), otoplasty (ear pinning) and usually abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). However, plastic surgery for the face or neck generally needs ‘tweaking' within 6 – 20 years. This also depends on the age the patient started facial procedures, their general hereditary makeup, as well as skin elasticity and continued maintenance.

Eyelid surgery can frequently last 20 years or longer before needing enhancement. Sometimes patients will include a brow lift the second time around, or possibly some laser or peels for skin elasticity in that area. After a first facelift, a patient may want a mini-lift after 7-10+ years to stay looking refreshed. But keep in mind just because you have surgery does not mean you shouldn't keep up with injectables and an active regimen of clinical skin care, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, micro-needling, PRP or even lasers for overall skin conditioning.

We generally see patients considering their first facelift near age 50, or their eyes in their 40s. Many of those may not need additional surgery for years whereas a patient waiting until 60 or over, (when their skin may not have as much elasticity) may need a repeat lift within 6 -10 years.

For breast surgery patients, depending on the procedure, (i.e. augmentation, lift or reduction) many patients find they are not repeating surgery for many years. If a woman is going fuller, or even smaller, most breast surgeries can last 20 + years. Again, much is dependent upon when they had the first surgery as well as how their breasts change over the years from pregnancy, nursing, skin elasticity, or significant weight changes.

In summary, while some procedures “last forever”, on-going beauty confidence requires maintenance!