How Long Should One Wait After a Face Lift to Get a Second Opinion on the Outcome?

One should wait at least 6-9 months to see the final results after a facelift or any facial rejuvenation procedure. At that time, one can address your concerns in most cases.

Swelling and scar maturation take at least 6 months to settle and sometimes longer in some patients.  You can seek another opinion around this time but you may be asked to return at the one year mark to better assess the skin elasticity.

It can take up to 6 months for you to be able to fully assess the outcome of your face lift surgery.  Scars with continue to mature and look better up to 12 months post-op

Each situation is unique, but usually after a year. I would do a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon at about 8 months, and then make long range plans.  You may need to speak with 2-3 Board Certified Plastic Surgeons before you find the one for you. 

I have seen many patients that have had facelifts elsewhere that request a 2nd opinion 1 to 4 months after having a facelift.  Often there are concerns that something is not healing right, something was not done correctly, and fear of something being overlooked.

This is more likely to occur if the primary doctor does not spend enough time with the patient to allay their fears about the vagaries of the healing process.  It is important that the patient feels "listened to."

I agree with many posts, wait 6 to 9 months as interventions before then as many concerns or issues may go away as the healing process progresses.  Best of Luck!

Here are some general guidelines on getting a second opinion after a facelift.  Although it could take a number of months for the final result to be apparent, an experienced facelift surgeon could determine whether the results of your facelift are sub-par.  Make sure that  you bring your pre-operative photos to your consultation.  Typically, early results of the facelift are quite good due to subtle swelling of the tissues.  On the other hand, some minor imperfections and scarring usually improve with time. Optimal facelift surgery requires that the surgeon has talent, experience and good judgment.  Every patient requires a different surgical plan and different surgical maneuvers to achieve a dramatic and yet natural result. 

I would tell most patients that it takes at least 6 months to a year for all the healing to completely take place after a facelift.  It can vary depending on what type of lift was done, ie. deep plane vs. SMAS vs. mini lift.  If you are really unhappy with your results, I would first recommend speaking with your original surgeon to express your concerns. It is certainly never too early to speak with your surgeon.  If he/she is not very responsive or if you feel you have lost faith in him/her, then I would consider getting other opinions after about six months.  Make sure you speak with an experienced face lift surgeon.  He/she should be doing well over 100 facelifts per year. Good luck.

6-9 months is a good average, however, it would be beneficial if you gave more details about your concern in the interim-that way it would be easier to distinguish between a common occurance after this type of surgery vs. atypical

Dear Msmmi

You would not be posting here is every thing was good.  Obviously you have issues.  You did not tell up how long out from surgery you are or what your concerns are.  Did your surgeon do something that has caused you to loose your confidence in them?  Facelifts do take time to heal.  No one will be more motivated to help you heal from your facelift than your surgeon.  If there has been a brake down in your relationship, then sure it is reasonable to get a second opinion.  You can try to do this covertly to avoid undermining your relationship with your surgeon.  If you are only weeks out from your surgery, it is normal to have certain issues.  Other issues can be more concerning.  WIthout more information, it is hard to be more definitive.

Second opinion after facelift is best after 6-9 months unless you are having a complication from the first surgery.