Have you had a facelift but are now considering a revision procedure? The average facelift looks fresh and youthful for more than ten years. However, after this time, many people find that their plastic surgery no longer meets their appearance goals. In addition, some people are dissatisfied with their facelift because of scarring, asymmetry, and other issues from previous surgery. For these people, a revision facelift is often an excellent choice. Dr. Joseph Russell is a Charleston South Carolina-based board-certified facial plastic surgeon who offers expert revision facelifts to patients in the entire southeast.
What Is a Revision Face Lift?
A revision or secondary facelift is a facelift procedure performed for the second time. There are several reasons that patients choose this procedure. First, even the best quality facelift doesn’t last forever. Even with a high-quality facelift, people continue to age. The work must be revised after around a decade for the best results. Second, some people decide to have a revision performed because they are not happy with the results of their first facelift. They may have scarring or asymmetries created by older, now obsolete techniques. These imperfections can often be corrected with a second procedure.
Many people are concerned about getting revision surgery. However, there is no need for concern in the hands of an expert. All revision plastic surgeries can have beautiful and youthful results when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. In most cases, the issues with prior surgeries can be corrected and the patient is given a natural, more youthful appearance in one procedure.
Before and After Revision Facelift Patient Photos
Revision Facelift Before and After Patient: This patient had undergone a facelift 6 years prior and was unhappy with the loose tissue under her neck and the hollows under her eyes. Dr. Russell performed a revision deep plane facelift with fat grafting under the eyes to restore youthful definition to her face and neck.
How Is a Revision Facelift Performed?
People who have had facelifts require special consideration from a surgical standpoint. Their skin is already thinner from being stretched in the first surgery. There will be scar tissue that must be dealt with. In addition, some patients may have issues caused by prior surgeries that need to be corrected when the second surgery is performed, which can require a great deal of skill and experience.
Every secondary facelift has a unique approach. Dr. Russell uses the same incision site from the previous surgery if they are hidden well, or revises them into a better location if they are visible or unsightly. Since most facelifts performed by other surgeons are SMAS facelifts, Dr. Russell usually first encounters an area of scar tissue where the first surgery was performed, then moves into normal, un-operated tissues in the deep plane of the face as he resuspends the cheek fat and muscles that form the jowls. Throughout the procedure, Dr. Russell will correct asymmetries and remove scar tissue as needed to produce a much more natural, youthful appearance. The patient is then bandaged to keep down bruising and swelling.
The recovery for this procedure is similar to that of an initial facelift. While most patients do not require a hospital stay, they will need to rest and focus on recovering for two weeks. Compared to a patient’s first facelift, the swelling usually takes a bit longer to resolve due to the scar tissue from the first surgery.
Revision Facelift Before and After Patient: This amazing patient is just 9 weeks following her revision facelift surgery with Dr. Joseph Russell. She had a prior facelift with a different surgeon over 20 years ago and was unhappy seeing her jowls return and additional loss of volume to her face as she continued to age. The deep plane facelift technique used for this revision case is testament to how volume can be restored by lifting the under lying muscles without the need for fat grafting. Her cheeks look natural and full again and her nasolabial folds are much softer now. She looks fantastic! Natural and refreshed without any signs of surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Secondary Facelift?
In general, most people who have had a facelift, regardless of the results, are good candidates for a revision after a decade. However, there are a few people who may not qualify, such as people with bleeding disorders. It is important to tell Dr. Russell about all prior surgeries you have had, including plastic surgeries, all medical conditions, and all medications that you are taking. This will help him to decide if you are a good candidate and to make a plan that will ensure you get the best possible result.
Revision Face Lift Consultation
The most important decision facing people considering a secondary facelift is to choose the right facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Joseph Russell grew up in Charleston on James Island and graduated first in his class from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He attended a five-year residency in head and neck surgery followed by a fellowship in facial and reconstructive plastic surgery in New York City with Dr. Andrew Jacono, one of the top industry experts. Dr. Russell is ready to help you decide if this is the right surgery to help you meet your goals.
If you are ready to have your facelift revised, contact Dr. Russell today for a consultation. With the right medical care, you can achieve the attractive and youthful appearance of your dreams.