Facelift Revision

Facelifts are a common and frequently safe procedure, but like any kind of surgery, there are some risks associated with it. While no one wants a botched facelift, it can happen due to factors such as an inexperienced plastic surgeon or an unexpected health complication. 

There’s no reason to despair in these situations, however, as facelift revisions are a viable option for those unsatisfied with how their first procedure turned out. With the help of an experienced plastic surgeon, not only will the botched aspects of your first procedure be remedied, but you’ll be able to see the beauty-enhancing results you were pursuing in the first place.

Reasons for a Facelift Revision

There are several reasons why a person may seek a facelift revision, some more distressing than others. While it is possible for a facelift to be botched, the effects of a facelift can also diminish over time, compelling some people to undergo an additional facelift to maintain their original results. 

Depending on the severity of the situation, a facelift revision could be just a small correction or a major readjustment of the work that was originally completed. Below are some of the most common reasons for a facelift revision.

Continued Aging

Facelift results are often long-lasting, with many of them lasting years on end, but there does come a time where the effects of aging catch up to the corrections made by the procedure. If you’ve noticed that wrinkles are starting to reappear or skin is beginning to sag once again, a facelift revision can refresh your appearance and ensure you continue to appear naturally youthful and vibrant. If you notice this regression early enough and seek out the right plastic surgeon, you’ll maintain the same results from your first facelift without any major interruptions.

Mistakes

One of the primary anxieties surrounding facelifts is the potential of a botched procedure. The chances of a mistake happening during your facelift procedure are low, but they aren’t nonexistent, and depending on the extent of your procedure, there are a handful of different things that can go wrong. Facelift revisions can resolve most surgical mistakes, but it’s still important to be aware of the most common aspects of the procedure that require a second adjustment.

Noticeable Scarring

Minor scarring is normal after most facelift procedures, and with proper aftercare, scarring often subsides. There are situations, however, where noticeable scarring persists after swelling has subsided and the proper aftercare measures have been taken. 

This scarring usually occurs because the tightening of the skin has placed too much pressure on the incisions made for the facelift. This causes the incisions to heal improperly and creates scarring that’s not only unsightly but provides a clear indication of your procedure.

Below are some common facelift mistakes that a facelift revision can correct.

Ear Deformity

Some people may not be initially worried about the appearance of their ears after a facelift, but it is possible for them to be affected by an inexperienced surgeon’s mistakes. If the skin has been stretched too tightly in a facelift, it can cause ear lobes to look unnaturally pointy. This creates what is known as a “pixie ear” deformity, ruining what could otherwise be a satisfying facelift.

Neck Deformity

Facelifts often deal with more than just the cheeks or the forehead, extending down to the neck to resolve any sagging or wrinkled skin. Unfortunately, it’s possible for a neck deformity to occur if a plastic surgeon has removed too much fat or insufficiently lifted the treated area. This is known as “cobra neck,” as there is often an indentation in the middle of the neck, with sagging skin hanging on either side, much like a cobra’s hood.

Eye Sagging

One indication that your facelift requires some revision is if there is noticeable eye sagging shortly after you’ve completely healed. This eye sagging usually occurs in a crescent shape along the cheekbone under the eye, and it usually means your facelift isn’t aging well or the surgeon didn’t adequately tighten the muscles under the eye. This can be remedied with a facelift revision, so you can get the under-eye results you were initially expecting.

The Importance of an Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Reading about all of the things that could go wrong with a facelift may be disheartening, but they can all be avoided if you employ the expertise of an experienced plastic surgeon. Facelifts can be delicate procedures, and they center around the most aesthetically prominent part of the body, so it’s crucial to only trust a surgeon who knows exactly what they’re doing.

At Elite Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dominic has all of the equipment and experience to safely and effectively carry out a wide range of facelifts. Dr. Dominic is also double board-certified, and he has extensive expertise in the fine nuances of various facelift procedures. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive solution to sagging skin or you’re looking for more minor corrections, you’re in capable and knowledgeable hands.

Facelift Revision Procedure

Just as facelifts can vary widely based on the needs of the patient, facelift revision procedures can vary as well. Not every facelift revision technique will satisfy the needs of every patient, and Dr. Dominic will be able to determine the best route toward your preferred results.

In some cases, more dissection is required in a revision, but this depends on what went wrong with the initial procedure and how much time has passed since then. If your facelift revision requires skin to be tightened further, for example, the tissue will be carefully draped and tightened to prevent excessive tension and noticeable scarring. Dr. Dominic will decide which revision procedure is best for you following initial consultations. 

Recovery

Facelift revision recovery is largely the same as the recovery process for a standard facelift, with most healing taking place during the first 4 weeks following your procedure. During this time, you may experience swelling and discomfort around the incision sites, but this can be controlled with pain medication, proper rest, and home remedies such as a cold compress.

It’s vital that you strictly adhere to Dr. Dominic’s instructions for aftercare to prevent any complications or need for an additional revision. This may include avoiding strenuous exercise, keeping your head elevated when resting, and staying thoroughly hydrated.

Results

Once you’ve fully healed from your facelift revision, you should see the results that were expected from your first facelift. Whether you wanted to reduce the appearance of sagging skin around your neck or you wanted to eliminate forehead wrinkles, you’ll be able to see your newly-enhanced beauty every time you look in the mirror. 

With proper skin care and maintenance of your personal health, you won’t have to think about another facelift revision for a very long time or ever, depending on the nature of your body’s aging.

Schedule a Consultation with Elite Today

Elite Facial Plastic Surgery is an accredited surgical facility, and its plastic surgeon, Dr. Dominic Castellano, is board-certified and experienced in a wide range of plastic surgery procedures. He has dedicated his practice to performing cosmetic and reconstructive cosmetic surgeries that satisfy, and the results–and patient testimonials–show it.

Contact Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today at 813-576-2289 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Dominic.

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