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Botched Argentina Facelift

asked 3 years ago by stefania in USA
Latest answer by Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Question viewed 3,608 times
Tags: face, botched, side effects

I had a mid-face lift in Argentina last year and they used the "MAC" or "MC" procedure. For almost 1 year I had discolorations that ran along both sides of my cheeks and down to just under my chin -- I imagine this is the path of the "purse stitches" used. Mid-way through this healing period I went to another plastic surgeon, and he recommended a retinol topical cream -- but I can still see the line of the stitches. Is there any way to correct his. What should I do from here? I will NEVER go offshore for another surgery -- but that is a whole separate story!

7 answers to Botched Argentina Facelift

+2

Topical treatments can help

When you lift the skin of the face for a facelift of any kind two things happen: The ability of the skin to remove blood worsens temporarily (venous congestion) Blood that remains behind may leave heme (iron) pigment behind, staining the skin Over time, venous congestion will correct itself as the body makes more tiny veins (neovascularization). The heme pigment problem, however, will need laser treatment to break down the discoloration. As far as your palpable/visible sutures go,... more
Manish H. Shah, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+2

Your question is complex

The good news is that your surgery has had sufficiently long so that your results are likely to be permanent. That means that you are probably a candidate now for any revision procedures. The solution to your problem depends on what exactly is going on. In order to determine what your next step is, you should obtain a copy of your medical records, in their entirety. Next, you should go to a plastic surgeon highly skilled in revision plastic surgery. That surgeon should analyze you and... more
Brent Moelleken, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Discoloration after MACS lift can be improved.

The MACS lift (Minimal Access Cranial Suspension) is a type of short incision facelift described and popularized by Belgian plastic surgeons Alex Verpaele and Patrick Tonnard. Properly performed, this is an excellent procedure for the appropriate patient. It should not be confused with "branded" procedures such as "Lifestyle lift" or "Quick lift" operations which I do not recommend. These are typically high-hype, marketing gimmick type procedures that... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Offshore surgery

I am sorry to hear this..This is what can happen once there is a problem with offshore surgery. No one is really accountable. All the surgeons here including myself have had countless patients with complications from offshore surgeons. There are offshore surgeons who do great work but the ones who dont and who treat americans leave very dissatisfied patients. There are many reasons for the pigmentation. A retinol based cream may help but also a hydroxyquinone may help as well. This also... more
Chris Thiagarajah, MD

Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Lasers can help

I agree with much of what was said in the previous posts...all good possible explanations. Many vascular and pigmentation issues from surgery can be addressed with laser therapy. Be sure to seek an opinion from a surgeon who is well versed in these techniques
Benjamin C. Marcus, MD

Madison Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Skin discoloration after facelift

Skin discoloration after a mini facelift can be caused by so many things. It can be secondayr healing issues, it can be tethering from the underlying sutures, it can be discoloration from vascular proliferation after undermining.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Many reasons can lead to skin discoloration after facelift

There are many reasons that can lead to skin discoloration after a facelift. Inflammation can cause increased blood vessel formation, which can lead to a red or bluish discoloration depending on the level of the vessel and whether they're due to an arterial or venous source. Other reasons include iron deposits that can happen after bruising, and can leave a dark discoloration. Due to the inflammation, your skin becomes more sensitive and can develop a reactive process that can lead to post... more
Philip Young, MD

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon

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