When it comes to cosmetic procedures, a few things are as disheartening as a facelift that doesn’t go according to plan. You expect a rejuvenated, youthful appearance, but sometimes the results fall far short of expectations. In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons why facelifts can go wrong and how you can avoid ending up with a bad face lift.
The Anatomy of a Bad Face Lift
The objective of a facelift is to “reverse the clock” by raising and tightening loose skin, resulting in an appearance that appears more youthful. But when it goes south — danger. The most frequent signs of a poor facelift are skin that is stretched too tight, scars that can be seen easily, and deformed earlobes (referred to as “pixie ears”), along with the outcome appearing unnatural.
Over-resection of skin is a major cause of bad face lift; however, this can lead to a windswept or overly tight appearance if too much skin is removed during the process, often resulting in botched or failed facelifts. While it was more common in the past, this still occurs today when not performed by a highly skilled surgeon. Obvious scars are another issue—any time you have visible scarring around your ear or the nape of your neck, it’s not a good thing.
Poorly placed incisions can lead to visible scars, especially if they are around the ears or in a location where your hair will not grow through. And, in the worst (and not completely unlikely) case—even hair loss around your temples or slipping of the sideburns to shapes they were never meant to assume.
Why Do Bad Face Lift Happen?
An unsatisfactory facelift can be due to one or a combination of circumstances. Probably the most important is the skill and experience of the surgeon. Facelift is a complicated procedure because it also needs an artist’s eye alongside the technical skills.
In the hands of less skilled surgeons or those that have not devoted their practices to facial surgical procedures, natural results are difficult. A second really important factor is if it fits into the right patient. A facelift is not suitable for everyone. Unfortunately, not all patients may be able to achieve their desired aesthetic goals given poor skin elasticity and severe sun damage or unrealistic expectations.
This is where the judgement of a good surgeon comes in to decide which patient will benefit more from facelift or other treatments. Also, bad results can occur when the patient and surgeon do not communicate well. When a patient fails to express all of their expectations or if a surgeon overpromises, the end results could not be as predicted. That is why a detailed consultation process becomes important.
How to Avoid a Bad Facelift
Avoiding a bad face lift begins with choosing the right surgeon. It’s essential to select a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial procedures and has a proven track record of successful facelifts. You should review their before-and-after photos, ask about their specific experience, and even request testimonials from previous patients.
During your consultation, be honest about your goals and listen carefully to your surgeon’s advice. A reputable surgeon will both discuss achievable outcomes and set realistic expectations. If a surgeon promises too much, it might be a red flag that they’re not being entirely upfront about the limitations of the procedure.
Another key to a successful facelift is following pre-and post-operative care instructions to the letter. This includes avoiding certain medications, not smoking, and protecting your face from sun exposure after the surgery. Inadequate aftercare often causes complications like infections or poor healing.
What to Do If Your Facelift Goes Wrong
If you’ve had a facelift and are unhappy with the results, there are options available to correct the issue. Revision surgery is a common approach, where a skilled surgeon will address the problems caused by the initial procedure. This can involve repositioning or removing excess skin, adjusting scars, or even using fillers to correct volume loss.
However, revision surgery is often more complex than the initial procedure and requires a surgeon with significant experience in corrective work. It’s also important to allow adequate time for healing before considering further surgery, as rushing into a revision can lead to more complications.
The Bottom Line
When done right, a facelift can make you look years younger and feel more self-assured. Being aware of the risk and being able to mitigate it so that you do not have a negative outcome are important aspects of making sure you end up with the results you want. Choosing the right surgeon, keeping your expectations in check, and properly caring for yourself can help ensure you have a smooth facelift rather than suffering through facial complications.
Remember that your face is unique, so the enhancements are meant to augment, not subtract from, your natural beauty. The best is all you deserve, so spend your time researching, consulting, and planning your procedure carefully.
