I had a face/neck lift several years ago that was way too tight. It looks terrible. Can it be reversed?

Question

It's still too tight and very unattractive. The sides of my face (curves) were tightened and still are, while my midface has since fallen and now I look like a pig (I'm slim). I want slimming/definition and balance put back, yet all I read are fillers and lift which I believe will worsen things. Can a lift be reversed? Tissues loosened or repositioned other than yanked up--or is this impossible? Is there a dr that has done this? Anyone? thank you

Scott K. Thompson, MD · Answer

Greetings;If your facelift looks too tight, the skin may have been closed with excessive tension.  There may be improvements that can be made, but you would need to send some pictures or (preferably) come in for a consultation so that the muscle/skin tightness and positioning can be assessed.  Good luck.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

A facelift appears to tight when there is been undo tension placed on the skin. This can be corrected but it will require a total revision of the procedure. Closure of the skin in the wake of the facelift should be done with almost no tension.

Thomas J. Walker, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your experience and unhappiness with the result. Although a facelift is technically not "reversible", a revision surgery can be done to address your concerns and improve your appearance. You definitely need to see a cosmetic surgeon, who has experience with revision facelifts and other facial procedures. Without pictures and frankly without an exam in the office, it is impossible to tell what can and cannot be done. Good luck!

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

To better answer your question, some pictures would be helpful. However, there are certainly measures that can be taken to improve the appearance of an overly tight facelift. A consultation with an experienced surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery would be th best way to find out your options.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It is impossible to answer your question without an examination or photographs. See a very experienced facelift surgeon for possible ways of correcting the problems you mentioned. Because these are all interrelated the surgeon must see what he is dealing with before he could give a proper answer.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Sorry to hear about your difficulties. I think what you will find on here, is for issues such as this it is almost impossible to get good advice without a photo. The description you provided is a bit confusing so its really difficult to make any suggestions or recommendations. If possible, take a nice face on photo and one with your head turned about 45 degrees each way. Then we can really get a good look and give you some excellent advice. The odds are you will get a much better understanding of your issue. You can always block out your eyes, just in case. Sorry, i wish I would help more but its very difficult to make a suggestions with the information you provided.

Khashayar Mohebali, MD, FACS · Answer

Hard to evaluate without pictures. In general, facelifts are not "reversible".  There may be other things that can be done based on what you look like.  Time will eventually loosen everything as well.

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello Kay33, Thank you for your question.I am sorry you are not satisfied with your lift. The surgery is not reversible, however there may be some other options to help improve the overall result. Please consult with a facial plastic surgeon in your area to discuss your various options of surgical and non-surgical interventions.Best of luck, Dr. S

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

You cannot reverse a facelift. The lift is performed by tightening the deeper tissues and then removing the excess skin. Reversing a lift would involve adding back tissue (skin graft or otherwise) and would certainly result in a less appealing result than what troubles you now. With that said, a facelift can be refined and improved upon. This might involve resurfacing procedures, volume replacement and small revisions. Without photos or meeting you it is impossible to give you specific advice. I would recommend that you consult with a facelift specialist. If they cannot help you seek a second and third opinion until you find someone willing to take the time to listen to you, look at you and offer a realistic approach to improving the look that concerns you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

It would be best to send photos of your face from the front and side for further evaluation.  Often dermal fillers (I prefer Perlane) can be used to shape the cheeks and thereby soften the entire face.

I had a face/neck lift several years ago that was way too tight. It looks terrible. Can it be reversed?

Answers (11)

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