Revisional Surgery for Brow Lift and Eyelids Worth It?

asked 3 years ago by Beauty Cred in The blogosphere
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 3,902 times
Tags: revision

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).

11 answers to Revisional Surgery for Brow Lift and Eyelids Worth It?

Maybe

Revisional eyelid surgery is complex and often requires canthal reconstructive, cheeklift or midfacial advancement techniques, which are highly specialized. During your consultations to see if a revision is necessary or recommended, it is helpful to see if the doctor has published articles on these topics, and to see if his artistic style in before-after pictures meets your expectations. As difficult as your decision to have your first surgery was, the decision to have revision surgery is... more

Brent Moelleken, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.drbrent.com

It gets alot harder the second time around.

I am sorry to hear of your disappointment. I will tell you that the key to optimizing surgery gone wrong lies in the appropriate preop evaluation by your next surgeon. As I understand it, you had a browlift and a blepharoplasty. It would be helpful to know if you had your upper or lower eyelids worked on. In terms of fixing your browlift, if you had only your upper lids done, then your surgeon must be very careful to re-pull only moderately (or not at all!) or you may not be able to... more

Manish H. Shah, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

You are absolutely correct! Every face is uneven.

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... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Communication and Planning are Critical

Unfortunately, complications and unsatisfactory results are a part of cosmetic surgery, as much as we surgeons try diligently to avoid them. Occasionally, this leads to a loss of confidence on the part of the patient towards the original surgeon, which is natural as well. The subsequent treating surgeon takes on the burden not only of the more urgent expectations of the unhappy patient, but the difficulty of correcting a problem not of his making. There is a high probability that the... more

Athleo Louis Cambre, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Revision Browlift and Eyelids

When you say you had eyelid surgery I'm assuming you had upper eyelid surgery. Often people who have browlifts are disappointed with the results. In order to fully achieve a noticeable browlift all of the connecting ligaments and muscles of the brow must be released appropriately. If you had any asymmetry prior to surgery then it is very difficult and nearly impossible to correct that with surgery. It is normal to have a small amount of asymmetry. Your individual situation depends on where... more

Samson Lee, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Complex anatomy and situation...

I understand that you have decided to not have your original surgeon perform any revision procedure. In this case in order to get the best care, and advice, I suggest you obtain from your prior physician a set of the before and after pictures. If you can also get a copy of the operative report that would be very useful for any future physician to best understand your situation. Also it is important that if you have any visual, and or, other eye complaints (such as “dry eye... more

S.Pasquale Maggi, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon

Revision Surgery

I am sorry to hear about your disappointment. Surgeon selection is key for the success of cosmetic surgery especially revision surgery. Consult with 3 - 4 surgeons to find one that best meets your needs. Frequently, revision surgery can be trickier than the original surgery.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.drkrisreddy.com

A tough situation

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... more

Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Always possible

It is importnan to discuss your goals with your surgeon. Also it is helpful for the new surgeon to know what procedures you had performed. Revisional surgery can be toughter because sometimes you have to work within the confines of the previous results.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Look at the anatomy carefully

There is so much variation in brow and eyelid surgery, as well as in a patient's normal anatomy, that it is hard to answer your question specifically. Most people's faces, and especially eyes, are asymmetric. Surgery itself is not an exact endeavor. If your original surgeon is reputable and skilled, you are almost always better off going back to him or her because the original surgeon always has a more complete fund of knowledge about what was done or not done. A new surgeon is always... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Ocular Plastic Surgeons Specialize in Repair of Difficult Eyelid and Brow Revisions

I am sorry to learn of the difficulty you are experiencing after your Brow lift and Blepharoplasty. It is always best if you first discuss your feelings with the surgeon who performed the procedure. I agree with Dr. Maggi that repair involves intricate anatomy. Ocular Plastic surgeons are known for their ability to work with difficult eyelid and brow cases in order to improve their function and anatomy. Their training involves 1-2 years after a 3 year Ophthalmology residency studying... more