Also known as a rhytidectomy, a facelift is a surgical procedure that is designed to lift and tighten the skin and underlying muscles of the face, reversing signs of aging such as saggy skin and wrinkles. While this treatment is typically associated with positive outcomes, it is possible for patients to be dissatisfied with their results. This can be for numerous reasons, and the best safeguard against it is to choose a highly revered, board-certified practitioner to carry out your treatment.
Skilled plastic surgeons are able to create unique treatment plans to address the specific signs of facial aging that any patient may be dealing with. If the right type of facelift and techniques are used, the final result of any facelift procedure should look highly natural. As such, a bad facelift is usually the result of a “cookie cutter” approach that fails to consider the individual needs of the patient.
That said, it is possible to reverse or correct a bad facelift through a procedure known as a revision facelift. Dr. Shapiro has helped countless patients address their facelift-related concerns and achieve their ideal look through this revision treatment.
How are bad facelift results defined?
Scars
Facelift treatments typically do not leave behind any visible scars. When performed correctly, the face’s natural contours will obscure the surgical incisions behind the ears, along the hairline, and in other areas. Any visible scarring is a sign of a bad facelift.
Distorted skin
If a facelift procedure involves only the lifting of the skin, it is possible that the patient will be left with loose, hanging skin. This is obviously not the desired outcome of the treatment.
Altered sideburns
Another telltale sign of a bad facelift is the loss of sideburns, which is more common among men. This usually occurs when the incisions are made in the wrong place, leaving the patient with elevated sideburns and destroyed hair follicles. Skilled plastic surgeons will avoid this by making the incisions in front of or behind the sideburns.
Stretched ears
Bad facelift procedures often result in elongated ears, which are characterized by earlobes that stretch downwards. This can be the result of incisions that were closed incorrectly or the removal of too much skin.
Hairline changes
If the excess skin is repositioned too high, it can leave the patient with a pronounced receding hairline. When done right, a facelift makes small incisions along the frontal hairline without affecting its position or destroying the hair follicles. Beyond that, the incisions are hidden within the hairline, ensuring that any residual scarring will be unnoticeable to onlookers.
Medical issues
Beyond leaving patients with aesthetic concerns, bad facelifts can also result in medical complications. When performed by an unqualified or inexperienced surgeon, the patient is more likely to encounter some severe complications, such as infection, hematoma, or nerve damage.
What is a Revision Facelift?
In cases where an initial facelift procedure needs to be reversed or corrected, a Revision Facelift is usually required. This is a secondary procedure that addresses facial deformities that have developed following the initial treatment. In some cases, it can also enhance the effects of a previous facelift that have deteriorated over time.
Revision Facelift procedures can help patients correct the signs of their bad facelift and restore a natural and rejuvenated appearance to their face.
How long after an initial treatment can I get a revision?
It is usually recommended that patients wait at least six to twelve months after their initial facelift before undergoing a revision facelift procedure. By this time, the body has had adequate time to heal, and the patient is ready to undergo surgery again.
What is the takeaway?
In short, revision facelift procedures are the best way for patients to revise or improve upon a previous facelift procedure. That said, a complete reversal of the initial facelift is typically not the goal. When carrying out a revision procedure, the practitioner typically focuses on bringing the patient’s face closer to their desired look. While patients may feel disillusioned after their initial treatment, they can rest assured that revision procedures are incredibly effective. This is particularly true when they are carried out by respected, board-certified practitioners.
Dr. Shapiro and his team of experts have helped countless patients correct an initial facelift procedure with a revision facelift. Contact us today to learn more about your options with this incredible treatment.
