Is It Unusual for an Original Surgeon to Do a Revision After a Poor Result?

It is very common for the original surgeon to do a revision surgery.  Some people like this as they are often done for no additional charge, but others prefer to go to someone new.  it is really up to your preference but if you feel comfortable with this surgeon and he is offering to correct the surgery for no charge that sounds like a good deal to me.  Good luck!

Selecting your surgeon for a #revision is a personal preference. It's usually best to wait 6 to 12 months depending on the reason for #revision and you see a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced with the type of cosmetic surgery you are seeking. It is important to discuss your concerns at length with your surgeon as well. As with all #cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. With any surgical #procedure and #revision, there are some risks of unhappy outcome or other complications which your surgeon should discuss with you. 

From what you describe I would have little hesitation to trust your neck in the hands of your surgeon again. He has the experience and provides the care you want. Discuss before your revision necklift thoroughly what kind of result you can expect and what limitations you should know about.

Most physicians care very much that you obtain a good result from a procedure they do.  Most times, if less than optimal results occur, it is not a result of poor technique of the doctor but they would still want to help you get the result that both you and they would like to see.  Some may charge a facility fee to cover the costs of the material used and nurses' time and some may not charge depending on the procedure.  You could feel free to see a second opinon first and then return to the original surgeon, but it is very common for patients to undergo secondary procedures for improvement by the original surgeon.

If you are not completely happy with your results but you are comfortable with your surgeon, it is likely best to have that surgeon do the revisions.  First, economically, the surgeon is offering the revision for free.  Second, that surgeon is the most familiar with your anatomy and the procedure perfromed during the original operation.  

 

Good Luck.

It is not uncommon to require a revision for results that are not as good as one would like. The nature of facial plastic surgery is that not every patient heals the same. The fact that your surgeon recognizes the need for a revision and is willing to perform it at no additional charge shows that he has a lot of integrity. In addition, it is often best to have the revision by the same surgeon who performed the procedure since they are more aware of  your unique anatomy.

Facial Plastic Surgery is a combination of art and science and a human endeavor. Even great Surgeons get suboptimal results and subsequently perform revisions.  Do great Surgeons have high revision rates?  No, but every Surgeon performs revisions (without exception).

However, you mention several of the factors you should look for in a Surgeon:  proof of good results with your friend, a good reputation, nice office, nice staff, and willingness to discuss your dissatisfaction and offer a solution.  I think you are most likely in the right place.

Sometimes patient's don't heal the way that we expected, and occasionally, we don't get the result we wanted. If the surgeon is confident he can correct your concern, then I would not have any problem allowing him to perform the revision surgery.

Andrew Campbell, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

I agree with Dr. Sunder.  Because he performed the original surgery, he knows what may have been a difficult area to correct during surgery and what may have occurred to give the less than optimal result.  Seeing as he has had good results you are aware of and have a good rapport with him, I think you should feel comfortable moving forward with the revision.

Hi Toadsmom,

It is not unusual for the original surgeon to perform revisions. In fact, I would say it is recommended to have the original surgeon perform the revision since he knows what exactly was performed in the first place. If you are happy with the staff and your overall experience with your surgeon’s practice, it makes sense to return to your original surgeon, especially since several of your friends have had good outcomes. Some patients just require more fine-tuning of their original surgery for various reasons. Perhaps, your anatomy may have been more complicated than your friend’s. Your surgeon seems intent on you being happy with your result (as he should) so it seems reasonable to give him another chance, as long as you have trust in him and his skills.

Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

Dr. Sunder