Is there an unevenness or distortion after a facelift?

Unevenness in the first few weeks /months after surgery is very common, and has to do with sutures and swelling.  Unevenness long after surgery, if it's done on proper candidates and by good surgeons, is not common (but it does happen even to good patients and good surgeons sometimes).  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

This is part of the consultation process and part of the expectations your surgeon will discuss with you. it is possible for perceived unevenness, however, it is usually present beforehand and is something I point out to my patients before surgery. During the first 10 days of healing after surgery, there is of course unevenness from the differential swelling that occurs; that is part of the normal healing process, so its not something that is of concern as it goes away. This type of unevenness is typical of surgery in general, so the type of facelift is not important as its part of the healing process. 

Due to swelling there may be some contour issues after a facelift. It would be highly unusual for these to be of any significance six weeks after the operation.

Hello,Thanks for your question, these are very common concerns patients have. I recently started writting an article on common questions and I cover some of these questions. I posted a link below. I also have an article regarding the types and differences in facelifts, it is in the blog section. I hope you find this helpful.James Bonaparte

Even the most perfect facelifts will have swelling, and all swelling is asymmetric, it is simply a question of degrees. If you are asking this question preoperatively, I suggest meeting with an expert facelift surgeon -- someone who has been performing facelifts for decades, preferably a board-certified plastic surgeon -- because he (or she) and staff should prepare you thoroughly for your surgery so that you have a solid understanding of the post-operative course. If you are asking because you've had surgery and you are experiencing unnevenness or distortion, I suggest you call your surgeon to discuss your current situation.  I (and I assume that my colleagues are similar) am always happy to share my knowledge with my patients to help allay concerns. Plastic surgery is a partnership between surgeon and patient, and the job of a surgeon does not end with the surgery; it is our responsibility, and pleasure, to help you.

All facelift techniques are prone to this if not enough care is taken that the same amount of tissue is manipulated in each side.  Careful attention to reproducing the result on both sides is important.  

Typically, there will be a degree of asymmetry immediately following a facelift.  There will be areas of face the also appear uneven.  This is typically due to the immediate swelling which is seen after surgery.  A majority of the swelling typically resolves in the first few weeks, with the rest slowly going away in 2-3 months.  

Hello and thank you for your question.   In the first week, it can be normal to have some degree of uneven swelling in the face.  This will resolve.   If good technique is used,
a facelift can be done with minimal scarring and can result in a natural look, not
over-done look, with rejuvenation of your face.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. The most important aspect
is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Even after a well performed facelift, a patient will experience some unevenness between the two sides of the face. I am specifically referring to bumps under the skin due to internal stitches or uneven swelling. Fortunately this is more noticeable to touch than in appearance. My experience is that it resolves in a few weeks. Distortions due to poor technique are infrequent in the hands of board certified plastic surgeons. Have a consultation with a surgeon who is referred to you by someone you trust and has plenty of actual patient photos to show. 
Best regards, Prashant Soni M.D.

Dependent on existing tissue and lines in the face, a natural lift can be achieved by using the appropriate vectors of lift. The incisions should be placed in the seams of the face around the ears as possible. A SMAS elevation helps the face lift last longer. See a board certified ASAPS plastic surgeon in consultation. Good luck...