There’s a reason that the facelift is one of the most sought-after plastic surgery procedures available. Our faces are the image we present to the world, and in many ways define how we are seen. As we get older, the face inevitably begins to suffer from the ravages of time, as wrinkles develop over once-smooth skin, and skin that used to be tight now hangs and sags. A facelift seeks to counteract these effects, resulting in a younger, brighter appearance for patients of any age.

In addition to a traditional facelift, Dr. Nassif also has the expertise and considerable skill necessary to perform a deep plane lift, which is a variety of facelift that operates on an entirely different level of tissue than the older techniques. Because of the differences in how a deep plane lift is performed, not many doctors are qualified to successfully execute such a procedure. The results can lead to a more natural, vibrant you.

Common Reasons Behind Facelift Revisions

No two cases are completely the same, and when you come to our office, Dr. Nassif will go to great lengths to be sure he understands the intricacies of your unique situation. No information on this website can take the place of a one-on-one in person consultation, but in general, there are a few main reasons that we see facelift revision patients walk into our office:

Part of the Expected Timeline. A procedure like a facelift can help mitigate the effects of time on the face, but it cannot completely halt the aging process. Many patients seeking a secondary facelift were satisfied with the results the first time – however, the results lasted as long as could be expected until aging took its toll once more, and now it’s time for a bit of a refresher. When performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon, a facelift can typically be expected to last as long as ten years, though variables in your anatomy and lifestyle can significantly alter this timeline.

Mistakes or Misjudgments by the Original Surgeon. Mistakes can include pulling the skin too tight, causing a constant expression of shock or that distinctly “operated-on” appearance. Other results associated with errors on the part of the original surgeon can include red, distorted scarring along the incision marks and distorted facial features, such as eyelids that are pulled down unevenly. Another common complaint is referred to as the “pixie ear”, where the ear lobe is tugged too far down along the side of the face.

Wrong Procedure. Sometimes, the procedure that was performed simply wasn’t the one that could most effectively address the patient’s concerns. For example, a traditional facelift when a deep plane lift is necessary will likely result in short-lived results that from the start will not be as natural in appearance as if the correct procedure had been performed. Another common mistake is for a plastic surgeon to attempt to correct aging in the neck through a facelift alone, when a neck lift may be indicated for better results.

Regardless of the reason for wanting a facelift revision, the face must be given enough time to heal from the original procedure before being operated on again. Revision procedures should never be performed within the first six months following a surgery, and the typical recommendation is to wait at least one year. This gives the body plenty of time to recover, and ensures that the results you’re seeing are indeed the final outcome of the procedure.

The Importance of an Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Cosmetic surgery exists at the intersection of science and art, and necessitates a great deal of expertise and confidence on the part of the surgeon. The reality of plastic surgery is that the results themselves are typically not evident for several days or even weeks, as swelling and bruising from the surgery must go down. The surgeon needs to have a detailed understanding of the effect his techniques will have in weeks to come. Go too far with a facelift, and the patient will be left with a permanently surprised appearance, or overly tight, plastic-looking skin that has obviously been operated on. Being too conservative with a facelift can leave the patient with the same problems they’d originally started with.

Most of the time, revision plastic surgeries require a greater degree of precision and care than the original procedures, simply because they necessitate an understanding of how the tissues have already been altered and affected by previous surgeries. Care must be taken not to disrupt the underlying structures of the face in a way that would result in excessive scarring, issues with the nervous or limbic systems, or undesired aesthetic results. For quality care you can trust, contact us at Nassif MD Plastic Surgery today.

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