Throughout modern history, the beauty of the face has been immortalized in songs and movies. A popular 1920s song discussed the virtues of “Baby Face.” Fred Astaire danced tribute to Audrey Hepburn in the 1957 musical film “Funny Face.” There is no question that today’s culture places a great deal of emphasis on having a beautiful face. This is reflected in the fact that there was a dramatic 6 percent increase in the number of facelifts performed from 2011 (118,440 procedures) to 2012 (126,000 procedures). Of course, all patients want to have that ideal face that is immortalized in music and film. Most patients do indeed see results that meet their goals.
However, in some cases, the initial surgery may not produce the results the patient intended. It may be that not enough excess facial skin was removed or that the results did not last as long or have the desired effect. Regardless of the cause, an unsuccessful initial facelift procedure can be anywhere from frustrating to devastating for the patient. Fortunately, for those patients who opt for a revision facelift procedure, Dr. Vincent Marin is expertly trained in this highly specialized procedure.
Causes for a Facelift Revision Procedure
The most common overall cause for a revision facelift procedure is that the face has begun sagging. Most well-performed facelift procedures will last about ten years. Patients may wish to undergo the procedure again at that time.
The most common cause for an unsatisfactory initial facelift procedure is older, more traditional facelift techniques. Many of these older techniques involve pulling the top layer of skin and underlying tissue back toward the ears before reattaching and removing excess skin. The problem with this technique is that it places a great deal of pressure on the incisions. Over time, this may give the face an overly taught, pulled look around the cheeks and forehead. Furthermore, if only a small amount of excess skin was removed, it can make a face start to sag prematurely. Suppose only the lower part of the face is lifted. In that case, it may present a startling contrast between younger-looking cheeks, jawline, and neckline, and a wrinkled, droopy appearance to the eyes and forehead, which can be corrected with a brow lift or eyelid surgery.
Techniques for a Facelift Revision Procedure
Perhaps the most common revision facelift technique is the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift. Although it can be done as an initial facelift procedure, it is ideal for correcting the look that may come from the older, more traditional facelift techniques. Rather than only using the epidural and superficial tissue and fat layers to lift the face, a SMAS facelift goes deeper into the underlying tissue and muscle structure in a shape that runs from the cheek, back to the ears down around to the neck. The SMAS technique pulls in a more upward direction, thus placing significantly less stress on the incisions around the ears and allowing for a softer, more natural drape of skin over the cheeks, jawline, and neck.
Although a facelift surgical procedure carries risks, most patients are ultimately happy with their surgery’s initial outcome. For those not satisfied, Dr. Marin can provide solutions that will give them the initial appearance that they wanted.
To schedule a facelift revision consultation, contact Marin Aesthetics today.
*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.
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