Is It Unusual for an Original Surgeon to Do a Revision After a Poor Result? Doctor Answers, Tips
Neck Lift: Q&A
Ask a Question

Is It Unusual for an Original Surgeon to Do a Revision After a Poor Result?

My surgeon offered to correct,(without charge) a neck lift that I felt had a bad result. Do patients usually allow the same doctor to do revisions? This doctor is board certified, has an accredited surgical suite and a board certified anesthesiologist in his office with 25 years experience. He was recommended to me by 4 people, one of which had a neck lift with a fine outcome. I am comfortable in his office and love his staff.I dont know whether I was just unlucky or neck lifts are not his forte

20 Doctor Answers | Asked by toadsmom in Long Island
+2

Very common for the original surgeon to do a revision surgery

It is very common for the original surgeon to do a revision surgery.  Some people like this as they are often done for no additional charge, but others prefer to go to someone new.  it is really up to your preference but if you feel comfortable with this surgeon and he is offering to correct the surgery for no charge that sounds like a good deal to me.  Good luck!
+2

Follow your Instinct!

From what you describe I would have little hesitation to trust your neck in the hands of your surgeon again. He has the experience and provides the care you want. Discuss before your revision necklift thoroughly what kind of result you can expect and what limitations you should know about.
+2

It is quite common that original surgeons do revisions and not other doctors

Most physicians care very much that you obtain a good result from a procedure they do.  Most times, if less than optimal results occur, it is not a result of poor technique of the doctor but they would still want to help you get the result that both you and they would like to see.  Some may charge a facility fee to cover the costs of the material used and nurses' time and some may not charge depending on the procedure.  You could feel free to see a second opinon first and... more

You might also like...

Real Stories

Neck Lift with Lipo - New York, NY

The procedure I had was a neck lift with lipo- a small incision under the chin, all fat...

Before + After Photos

View 496 Neck Lift photos
+2

Revision surgery

I had an asian professor who used to say "Even monkey fall from tree" By this he meant that no one surgeon has always good results.  No one batter hits only home runs.  Perhaps it will help you to see the surgeon's perspective. When I have a less than Ideal result I always offer to do the revision.  In fact, if the patient goes elsewhere I consider that a failure on my part.  I often revise other colleagues' work and I can tell you that the patients come... more
+2

A surgeon willing to revise his own work, when appropriate, is showing integrity

While all surgeons, and all patients, want nothing more than the best results with every procedure, the uncertainties of each individual's tissues, circumstances, healing process, and, frankly, luck, can occasionally yield suboptimal results. You have identified several reasons to trust your original surgeon with the revision, and your surgeon has apparently agreed that the risks of revision are outweighed by the potential for improvement. While many surgeons might waive their fees... more
+2

Revision Surgery

If you are not completely happy with your results but you are comfortable with your surgeon, it is likely best to have that surgeon do the revisions.  First, economically, the surgeon is offering the revision for free.  Second, that surgeon is the most familiar with your anatomy and the procedure perfromed during the original operation.     Good Luck.
+2

Neck lift revision by same surgeon......Absolutely

There can be many reasons for  a suboptimal result.   An excellent surgeon, if they are busy, will have complications, but these should be low.  Always ask.  What you have is probably not a true complication, but a result that is suboptimal.  This occurs because of many factors.  Every patient is an individual and each patient has differences in healing and tissue responses.  Facelifts and neck lifts in particular are susceptible to differences in... more
+2

Unusual for a Surgeon to Do Revisions? No.

Facial Plastic Surgery is a combination of art and science and a human endeavor. Even great Surgeons get suboptimal results and subsequently perform revisions.  Do great Surgeons have high revision rates?  No, but every Surgeon performs revisions (without exception). However, you mention several of the factors you should look for in a Surgeon:  proof of good results with your friend, a good reputation, nice office, nice staff, and willingness to discuss your... more
+2

Revision Facelift

Hi Toadsmom, It is not unusual for the original surgeon to perform revisions. In fact, I would say it is recommended to have the original surgeon perform the revision since he knows what exactly was performed in the first place. If you are happy with the staff and your overall experience with your surgeon’s practice, it makes sense to return to your original surgeon, especially since several of your friends have had good outcomes. Some patients just require more fine-tuning of... more
+1

Revision Surgery by the same surgeon

Thank you for your question. It sounds like your surgeon has the proper credentials and you have confidence in him and like his staff so it would probably be a good idea to allow him to perform your revision surgery. EVERY surgery has the potential for potential risks and complications and we as surgeons do our best to achieve the patients goals but can never PROMISE perfection. Communicate clearly with your surgeon as to your concerns. Best Wishes!
+1

Neck lift revision by operating surgeon

Truthfully, everyone, on occasion, has a suboptimal result. You haven't explained why you were unhappy with the outcome. A suboptimal result is not always "bad". It is possible that your skin is crepey and is not as tight as you'd like, or it could be any number of other issues. Your surgeon certainly has the right credentials and I would consider it a sign of good judgment that he has offered to perform a revision. I saw a patient today... more
+1

OK to have revision neck lift with same surgeon?

I believe that it's always in the patients best interest both emotionally and financially to try and work things out with their original plastic and cosmetic surgeon as long as they maintain a good relationship based on mutual trust. Since you still have a great relationship with your surgeon, IMHO it's all good as long as what's being planned makes sense to you.
+1

Revision work often done by original surgeon

If the patient has good confidence in their surgeon’s ability, it is always a good idea to have the surgeon do a touchup procedure, usually at no charge to the patient. It is important to make sure that the surgeon has performed many of the desired operations that you are interested in, such as a neck lift.  Review many of their before and after photos to ensure that the results you are expecting can be delivered.  
+1

Revision surgery

Not everyone gets a perfect result, and if you trust the doctor and he is willing to help you ( which he should) you may want to consider having him revise the surgery. If you have lost faith in him, then go to someone else.  A second opinion can't hurt.
+1

Nothing unusual about revisions...

Your surgeon's actions shows that he cares about his work and the results his patients achieve.  You're fortunate to have a surgeon with such a policy.  If you're comfortable with what care you've received, then by all means, let him provide you a way to get a better result and I'm confident you will achieve what you are desiring.
+1

Revision surgery is often done by the original surgeon

Given how comfortable you are with the surgeon and his staff, you will likely do very well to have your revision surgery with him. This is not an uncommon event. That said, you can also choose to have several other opinions before returning to see this physician. Best of luck!
+1

Neck revision surgery

Considering the background you gave, particularly that he is a board certified plastic surgeon, I would consider having him do the revision, particularly if he is waiving his fee. If not, I would seek out a second or third opinion first.
+1

Revision surgery by the same surgeon

It is not uncommon to require a revision for results that are not as good as one would like. The nature of facial plastic surgery is that not every patient heals the same. The fact that your surgeon recognizes the need for a revision and is willing to perform it at no additional charge shows that he has a lot of integrity. In addition, it is often best to have the revision by the same surgeon who performed the procedure since they are more aware of  your unique anatomy. more
+1

Allow the revision necklift

Sometimes patient's don't heal the way that we expected, and occasionally, we don't get the result we wanted. If the surgeon is confident he can correct your concern, then I would not have any problem allowing him to perform the revision surgery. Andrew Campbell, M.D. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes for the revision

I agree with Dr. Sunder.  Because he performed the original surgery, he knows what may have been a difficult area to correct during surgery and what may have occurred to give the less than optimal result.  Seeing as he has had good results you are aware of and have a good rapport with him, I think you should feel comfortable moving forward with the revision.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (0)

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok