Is there an unevenness or distortion after a facelift?

Question

What kind of facelifts are associated with this? How long does it last? What is it due to? Anything you can do about it?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

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.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

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

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

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.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

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.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Prashant Soni, MD · Answer

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.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

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...

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

For the first few weeks after your facelift, you are going to be bruised and swelling. This swelling is often asymmetric which can cause you face to look uneven. Typically, this resolve on it's own within about 3-6 months. The best thing you can do is to take good care of yourself and limit foods that cause inflammation such as sugar, processed carbs, excessive salt and alcohol. Hope this helps.

Rebecca Jackson, MD · Answer

There are many different ways of trying to lift faces. Recently many non surgeons have been using fillers and sometimes fat, this can certainly be distorted and irregular. Deep plane facelifts like and endobrow/midface seldom result in distortion or irregularities because they are not close to the skin surface or involve moving large skin flaps and creating "dog ears". Traditional face lifts,as well as mini facelifts are done in a plane that is close to the skin surface and can result in indentations, irregularities and dog ears. Most of the time these areas settle down within 3 or 4 months. Sometimes micro fat grafting maybe helpful. Given enough time most of these issues resolve.

Best Regards,
RebeccaJackson, M.D.

Best Regards,
RebeccaJackson, M.D.

Is there an unevenness or distortion after a facelift?

Answers (20)

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