Facelift concerns - what are signs a person has had a facelift? What should I look for in results?

Question

When doing a facelift, do you have to make sure that there aren't weird folds in the skin post surgery? I really like this surgeons work, but I think I might see some weird lines under the eyes like the skin is coming together weird. I'd like to know what the dead giveaways of a facelift are so know to look for them in results.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Excellent question.  There are five signs of an obvious facelift.
1. Obvious incision.  The healed incision of a facelift should be imperceptible 
2. Ear lobes attached to face.  After a facelift your ear lobes should have a natural appearance, meaning the ear lobe is distinct and free from the face and NOT attached to the face.
3.  Over tightened appearance.  Removal of too much skin or pulling the skin in the wrong direction can result in this appearance.
4. limited facial movement.  Most likely as a result of #3
5. A youthful face but an aged neck.

These are the telltale signs of a not so great facelift.

Best wishes!
ESJ
#truthandtransformation

Michelle Lee, MD · Answer

Great question! Overall, a Facelift shouldn't completely change a person's appearance. They should simply appear as a younger, more refreshed version of themselves. A few things to consider when browsing results– #1: Look for photos that are at least 6 months out from surgery. It is common to see unnatural folds/creases during the initial healing period that would relax after a few months. By viewing photos further out in the process, you can also get a better idea of the "settled in" result. As far as the dead giveaways of a facelift– #1: scars. The scars should be very difficult to see in photos 6 months-1 year post-op. #2: the mouth. No one wants the "joker smile", pulled mouth look. The mouth should look the same before and after surgery. #3: a "pulled" look or visible tension on the skin is a facelift giveaway. 
A "good" facelift is undetectable!

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about any of the surgeon's results, it might be best to re-evaluate and take a step back here. Usually surgeons will only post the BEST results, so if you are not happy with the before/afters you are seeing...it might be best to take a pause and determine what is the best course here.

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You can tell if patient have had a facelift by looking at the ears. With my technique, I follow the curvature the ear, so it makes the incision less visible. Be sure to research several doctors in your area. Making sure they are board certified plastic surgeons.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

All scars after face and eyelid surgery are well hidden in the areas around ears and  eyes and after few months it would be difficult to detect them from conversational distance. Placement of the scars would depend of the required correction and should be discussed with your surgeon ahead of surgery. Hope this helps.

Azita Madjidi, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

One of the tell tell signs of facelift is the unnatural direction of skin lines. It could happen if the technique  does not respect the anatomical structures of the patient. Nowadays , facelifts are not done as in the 1980's and are mostly done with a shorter scar, and other adjuncts such as fat grafting to restore volume instead of pulling the skin over bone. My goal in my facelifts is not to erase all lines but to give a rested natural look.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

To me the most iobvious telltale sign is ears that look weird especially the earlobes. Joe Biden is a good example of this

Zeshaan Maan, MD · Answer

An "obvious" facelift is one that creates a certain look rather than helping you look like a rejuvenated version of yourself. Some of the give aways are that "wind swept" look, pixie ear deformity of the ear lobe, and loss of definition of the tragus of the ear. Behind the ear, poor planning can lead to an obvious change in the hairline.

Sean Fisher, MD · Answer

A facelift done well, by a well qualified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon should leave nearly invisible signs of any surgery being performed. I tell my patients that the goal of a facelift should be to take 10-15 years off of your face, while remaining subtle enough that you do not look like you have had plastic surgery. Done incorrectly, some tell tale signs are a windswept appearance where the skin is pulled unnaturally tight, poorly placed scars that are visible in the area of the ear or hairline behind the ear, and unnatural position of the earlobe (called a pixie ear). Take the time to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with and has specific training in facial rejuvenation to ensure a result that you are happy with. 
Sean Fisher Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon Seattle, WA

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

A knowledgeable facial plastic surgeon will use techniques that help you look naturally younger but still like yourself. The signs of a well-done facelift include natural facial contours, a consistent appearance between the face and neck, and properly positioned earlobes. Conversely, watch out for an overly tight or "pulled" look, visible scars around the ears, and limited facial movement. Reviewing the surgeon’s facelift before-and-after photos and asking detailed questions during your consultation are essential. This helps ensure you have realistic expectations about the surgeon’s work and the results you can expect.

Be well,
Dr. Todd Hobgood

Be well,
Dr. Todd Hobgood

Facelift concerns - what are signs a person has had a facelift? What should I look for in results?

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