You are absolutely correct! Every face is uneven.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD answers: Revisional surgery for brow lift and eyelids worth it?

I'd like to see pictures of "good" revisional--or corrective--surgery for a botched eyelid surgery and brow lift. It's only been about a year since I had my procedure, and not only don't I see that much improvement, but I swear my face is uneven. Is revisional surgery worth it--and what can I ask my doctor or let him know ahead of time to ensure I don't wind up with the same results? (I'm not using my original doctor).


Otto Joseph Placik, MD
10 months ago

I am sorry that you are disappointed with your results. I think I speak for all my colleagues when I say that we strive to achieve excellent results with satisfied patients. It is a matter of pride as well as essential to being successful. That is why all the previous responses suggest that you go back to your first surgeon whose goal it is to satisfy your desires.

The real question is whether surgery should be done and whether it will achieve your goals.

Unfortunately sometimes the enemy of good is better. This means that if you have a good result, it is possible you good end up with a worse result in an effort to make it better. No one has a crystal ball and no one can predict the outcome of surgery with 100% certainty. There is clearly an element of risk. Furthermore it is possible to overcorrect.

When you say that you swear that your face is uneven you are absolutely correct! Every face is uneven. The real question is it more uneven than before surgery.

The forehead and upper eyelids are complicated by the fact that there is an element of movement that can affect the results and change what you can observe at the end of the operation.

It is not uncommon for some eyelid procedures to require a second procedure to refine the result. This commonly occurs in what we call blepharoptosis surgery (droopy or sleepy eyelids). Anesthesia, medications, and swelling can all effect the level of the eyelid during surgery and wear off later causing a change in the final result.

I would suggest that you go back to the first surgeon to discuss your concerns prior to seeing another physician which I would also recommend for a second opinion prior to undergoing any additional procedures.

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A: A tough situation

Talmage J. Raine, MD
8 months ago

I assume you have compared your pre and post operative photos to assess the amount of assymetry.  Conferring with another doctor or two is not a bad idea.  Realistic expectations on the amount of improvement are necessary to ultimately get an outcome that everyone wants.  I have done revisional surgery for brow and eyes on my patients as well as other platic surgeons' patients.  I have also had my patients go elsewhere for further consultation and treatment.  Be careful and choose a reputable , board certified plastic surgeon.  All the best.

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