What is a Revision or Secondary Facelift?

Following the first facial surgery, patients can be unhappy with the jowl area or sagging skin along the jawline, sagging skin in the midface, and sagging area near the eye or brow. A second facelift can help to improve this. Other problem areas that a facelift surgeon can address include:

• Volume loss in the cheeks: this can be by fat transfer or fat grafting

• Wrinkles around the mouth: use of a lip lift can help

• Excess skin on the upper eyelids or under eye bags: a blepharoplasty can be achieved at the same time as a revision facelift

• Excess fat under the chin/jawline area: chin liposuction can help achieve a more defined look

• Cobra neck deformity: this can occur due to overly aggressive submental liposuction during the initial facelift and may require correction with fat grafting or other techniques.

• Use of skin flaps: skin flaps are often used to correct deformities and manage tension or scarring in revision facelifts.

Advanced techniques such as deep plane revision and fat grafting are often employed to address specific complications in revision facelift surgery. Surgical techniques frequently address the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) to achieve more natural and longer-lasting results.

Our top revision facelift specialist at Kensington Medical can make the careful adjustments needed to improve the results of a previous facelift. The best option is to get in touch to talk through what areas you want to improve on.

The terms revision facelift and secondary facelift are often used interchangeably in the field of plastic surgery. A revision facelift is a secondary procedure performed to improve the results of a previous facelift, often to correct issues such as scarring, contour issues or tissue laxity. A secondary facelift is a surgery completed years after the first facelift to address ageing. Talking to an experienced facelift surgeon is the first step. They will look at the results and advise on the best options, which could be any of the following:

Deep plane facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses the deep structures beneath the skin, the deeper facial musculature. The procedure involves repositioning and lifting the deeper tissues, resulting in a natural looking facelift.

The SMAS facelift is a surgical procedure that tightens and lifts the middle and lower parts of your face. Targeting the sagging skin around the cheek area, jowls and sad mouth look.

A mini facelift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure aimed at rejuvenating the neck and jowl area. It typically involves smaller incisions, flap elevation, and plication of the SMAS, and can often be performed under local anaesthesia for patient comfort and convenience.

A lower face lift, sometimes called a jowl lift, is a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the lower face by removing excess skin and various toning up of underlying muscles. The surgery aims to create a more youthful appearance by restoring the face’s natural contours.  Our facial plastic surgeons will tailor the procedure to your needs and desired results focusing the facial areas of concern.

Certain minimally invasive revision procedures, such as skin excision or minor corrective surgeries, can be performed under local anaesthesia, offering added comfort and convenience for patients.

It is essential to consult a board-certified surgeon with expertise in complex revision procedures. Patients should look for surgeons who are fully accredited by the General Medical Council (GMC), on the Specialist Register and members of reputable organisations like BAPRAS or BAAPS.

The specifics of your revision facelift procedure or secondary facelift will be determined based on your individual goals and concerns, as well as a thorough assessment of your prior facelift and its effects on hairline and tissue positioning. The revision or secondary facelift procedure is similar to that of a traditional facelift, but requires careful planning to address previous surgical changes.

First, our plastic surgeon will make incisions along the anterior hairline and posterior hairline, with special attention to preserving the natural hairlines and avoiding visible scars or distortions. Proper incision placement is essential to prevent step-off deformities and maintain a natural appearance.

During the procedure, the surgeon will assess and manage any significant scarring from previous surgery, which can impact the planning and execution of neck lift and platysmaplasty procedures. Understanding the initial surgical approach helps in evaluating current issues and guides the corrective techniques used in secondary procedures.

Through these incisions, your surgeon will access the facial tissue and muscles, taking care to identify and protect blood vessels, especially when scar tissue is present, to ensure tissue viability and optimal healing. The choice of surgical technique will be tailored to your individual anatomy and previous procedures to achieve the best possible outcome.

Once the underlying structures have been tightened, the skin will be re-draped over the face, and excess skin will be removed. During closure, your surgeon will carefully manage skin tension to prevent deformities such as pixie ear or poor scarring.

After repositioning the skin, your surgeon will close the incisions with stitches.

Talking to one of our expert facial surgeons to understand what is best for you, plus looking at all of your lifestyle factors and your facial structure is crucial.

• The Complexity of the Procedure: Revision surgeries can be more complex than primary surgeries due to the presence of scar tissue and previous alterations.

• The Surgeon’s Experience and Expertise: Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in revision facelifts is crucial for achieving the best results.

• The Patient’s Overall Health and Medical History: A thorough evaluation of the patient’s health and medical history is necessary to ensure they are a good candidate for further surgery.

• The Presence of Scar Tissue or Previous Surgical Complications: Scar tissue from previous surgeries can complicate the procedure and must be carefully managed.

• The Patient’s Expectations and Goals for the Procedure: Clear communication about what the patient hopes to achieve is essential for a successful outcome.

• The Potential Risks and Complications Associated with Revision Surgery: Understanding the risks, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage, is important for making an informed decision.

Revision facelift surgery can offer several benefits, including:

• Improved Facial Balance and Proportion: Achieving a more harmonious and balanced facial appearance.

• Enhanced Facial Rejuvenation and Youthful Appearance: Further refining the results to create a more youthful look.

• Correction of Scarring or Poor Wound Healing: Addressing any visible scars or areas that did not heal well from the initial surgery.

• Improved Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem: Enhancing the patient’s overall satisfaction with their appearance.

• Addressing Areas of Concern Not Adequately Addressed in the Primary Surgery: Ensuring all desired areas are improved.

• Customised Approach to Meet Individual Patient Needs and Goals: Tailoring the procedure to the specific needs and goals of the patient.

It is important to allow for complete healing before evaluating the final outcome of a revision facelift. The final results may take 6 months to 1 year to fully emerge as tissues continue to heal and adapt. At Kensington Medical your post operative appointments ensure yuor recovery is smooth.

The recovery time for a revision facelift is similar to that of a traditional facelift. You can expect bruising, swelling, and discomfort for the first few days following surgery. The side effects should reduce within a week or two.

The recovery journey after a revision facelift involves several phases. During the intermediate recovery phase, which lasts from 2-6 weeks, patients may experience residual swelling and tightness, as well as unusual sensations in areas where scar tissue was revised.

You will need to look after yourself for the first few weeks of recovery. This means taking time off work (generally two weeks are recommended), avoiding strenuous activity such as the gym, and sleeping with your head elevated. Most patients feel well enough to return to normal activities within approximately four weeks or a little more.

You should see the full results of your revision facelift within three to six months.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with a revision facelift. These risks include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Nerve damage

• Facial asymmetry

• Unsatisfactory results

• Improper management of skin tension during surgery, which can lead to deformities such as pixie ear deformity or poor scarring

It is important to discuss the risks of surgery with your surgeon before having a revision facelift. This step can help you make an informed decision about whether the surgery is right for you.