Secondary Facelifts Explained by a Facial Plastic Surgeon

If you underwent a facelift several years ago and were satisfied with the results but are now starting to notice some degradation, you are a likely candidate for a secondary facelift to restore your youthful appearance.

Secondary facelifts are sometimes referred to as ‘facelift revision surgery’ or ‘reverse facelifts’. They are performed either to restore the results achieved with the original facelift surgery, or to correct a faulty procedure. Even the best facelift can only provide temporary benefits because of the gradual reappearance of the signs of aging. A secondary facelift is a common procedure, performed to regain that natural well-rested youthful appearance.

Here is a link to Dr. Sharma's Official YouTube Channel. In the video below, Dr. Sharma discusses facelifts from his Coral Gables offices. 

Many people choose to do a secondary facelift because the results of their original facelift have faded. A facelift (rhytidectomy) have results that usually last on average for about ten years. Secondary facelifts usually become necessary around this time. Some people might even choose to have a less invasive means of rejuvenating the appearance of their face by the use of dermal fillers.  Dermal fillers can help with reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles and also reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds (laugh lines). Rhytidectomy eventually becomes the best option for a more permanent treatment.

Second Facelift Procedure

The actual procedure of having a secondary face lift may involve the same area as the first or may even be expanded to improve the appearance of other areas of the face. More than likely there will be some amount of scar tissue in the face from the previous surgery. The scar tissue, if not too extensive, can actually help limit some of the bleeding and scarring. Dr. Sharma will discuss with you your options for treatment and review with you exactly what kind of facelift will be necessary to get the best results.

Risks of a Secondary Facelift

The risks of face lifts include:

• Bleeding

• Bruising

• Infection

• Nerve damage

• Facial asymmetry

• Anesthetic risks

In general, most people enjoy the aesthetic results for 10-15 years before they seek a secondary facelift. Facelifts are one of the most common plastic surgery procedures chosen to be redone because the face continues to highlight the signs of aging more visibly than any other body area and it features our most distinguishing and identifiable physical characteristics.

Most patients are extremely happy with their primary facelift and therefore, when the rejuvenating effect begins to fade they decide to have a secondary facelift to achieve that same level of rejuvenation they originally enjoyed. If you were pleased with the results from your first facelift, there are other considerations that will help you efficiently embark upon your revision facelift process with Dr. Sharma:

• Remind yourself about the specifics of your original facelift surgery. You will want to share the details about this previous procedure that yielded such favorable results for you.

• Know exactly what you're trying to improve with this facelift, and communicate this to Dr. Sharma. Even if you were pleased with your original facelift, you may have different wants or expectations now.

• During the consultation, bring in before and after photos of yourself from the first surgery that way Dr. Sharma can refer to these images while considering your current options to create a more personalized surgical plan for your second facelift.

If you're looking into revision facelift surgery to correct poor results from your first facelift, Dr. Sharma suggests that it is prudent to take certain steps the second time around. He has many years of facelift experience behind him and is able to make personalized suggestions and recommendations for your surgery, however, you should consider these questions and in preparation for your consultation with him:

• Identify what specifically displeased you about your original facelift results, and clearly communicate this during your consultation. 

• Be very specific idea of what you want and share all your thoughts with Dr. Sharma.

If you are interested in speaking with Dr. Sharma about a secondary facelift or facelift revision surgery, please contact his offices at (305) 456-5727 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.

About Dr. Vijay Sharma

Vijay M. Sharma MD, MPH is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and a co-founding member of The Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami. He exclusively focuses on cosmetic procedures and surgery of the face. This specialization includes the face, neck, nose, eyes and ears. Born and raised in Maryland, Dr. Sharma attended college and medical school at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He went on to a successful head and neck surgery residency at Tulane University in New Orleans. Dr. Sharma distinguished himself as the Chief Resident of Head and Neck Surgery at the world famous Charity Hospital of New Orleans. He then completed the prestigious Glasgold Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Sharma moved his New York area private practice to Miami and Coral Gables in 2007.

Botox and Dysport Treatments for Men

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org our society places a high value on looking young and fit. Men of all ages and all walks of life are looking into plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons. Several men have indicated to Dr. Sharma that their goals include a more balanced nose, a rejuvenated face and less lines and wrinkles. 

Billions of dollars are now being spent on cosmetic surgery – up to 90% of it by women. Basically, that means that the other 10% of cosmetic surgeries are performed on men – that’s $100,000,000 a year spent by men on improving unappealing characteristics of their appearance. In today’s world, people consider their looks as key to their self-image and it appears place a high value on their appearance.

More and more men are focusing on improving their looks and the importance of beauty today is far more pervasive than one might think. Consider this; all this spending on plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery procedures comes at a time when almost a fifth of Americans lack basic health care.

Since most literature concerning plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery focuses on women, Dr. Sharma wanted to offer men some valuable information for them to consider if they are contemplating improving their looks. In the diagram below, Dr. Sharma identifies ten (10) areas where men can enhance their facial features. Many of these areas are similar for women, however, usually men have more pronounced wrinkles or folds and thicker skin.

Many men are reluctant to undergo plastic surgery because they are afraid that they’ll no longer have that “distinguished” look. Dr. Sharma is careful to keep your appearance as natural as possible, however, his primary concern is to focus on areas that are a concern to you. As a result, we’re offering this schematic to help you properly identify the areas that are concerning you.

Men are good candidates to receive injectable dermal fillers as well as Botox or Dysport. You won’t often hear too many men discussing their procedures with other men or women but when you stop and think about it for a moment, there is no reason why men cannot use the same products as women to enhance their appearance. One way to start is by trying dermal fillers, otherwise known as a 'liquid facelift' and here are three (3) good reason why:

1. It's a good way to get started and test to see if plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery suits your lifestyle.
2. The effects of dermal injectables generally wear off after four (4) to six (6) months.
3. Dermal fillers are more economical than actual surgical procedures. 

Facial planning guide for men who are considering plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery with Dr. Sharma.

The facial planning chart above is a guide to help you begin identifying areas where you want to see improvement. Dr. Sharma has identified and provided the names of ten (10) areas for you to consider. Additionally, this chart will help you begin your discussion with Dr. Sharma when he asks you, “So, what do you want to improve?” during his consultation with you. 

Often times, plastic surgeons won’t come out and tell you what you should have done because they might mention something you’re not unhappy with and they don’t want to generate any further self-conscience insecurities. Therefore, by identifying these areas for yourself, it will help educate you and streamline your consultation.

If you’re a man and interested in learning more about your options for plastic or cosmetic surgery, please call Dr. Sharma’s Coral Gables offices at (305) 456-5727 and we’ll be glad to answer any questions you might have. 

About Dr. Sharma

Vijay M. Sharma MD, MPH is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and a co-founding member of The Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami. He exclusively focuses on cosmetic procedures and surgery of the face. This specialization includes the face, neck, nose, eyes and ears. 

Born and raised in Maryland, Dr. Sharma attended college and medical school at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He went on to a successful head and neck surgery residency at Tulane University in New Orleans. Dr. Sharma distinguished himself as the Chief Resident of Head and Neck Surgery at the world famous Charity Hospital of NewOrleans. He then completed the prestigious Glasgold Fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Sharma moved his New York area private practice to Miami and Coral Gables in 2007.

What is Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

It’s a procedure that improves the appearance of the lower eyelids. It gives the surrounding area of your eyes a rejuvenated appearance, giving you a more rested and refreshed look. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty can remove the excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid. Bags under the eyes can be corrected along with any droopiness of the lower eyelids. Loose or sagging skin that creates folds or interrupts the natural contour of the upper eyelid, sometimes impairing vision, can also be treated by eyelid lift surgery.

You may have noticed changes in your eyes that show your age. Do your eyes give you a worn-out or tired appearance? Some say the eyes are the windows to the soul. What feeling do your eyes convey? You may notice extra or wrinkled skin above or below the eyes or perhaps you have concerns about fat pockets below your eyes.

These issues are very common, and for some, may begin as early as their 20's. Eye-lift surgery is a very common cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of the eyes. Recovery is usually very reasonable, with most patients return to work in less than a week. Blepharoplasty is frequently performed with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as a facelift, necklift, or Rhinoplasty. 

Lower Blepharoplasty is frequently performed to improve the appearance of fat pockets and/or extra skin under the eyes. This procedure maybe performed in the office, but frequently requires light sedation in an operating room. Although lower eyelid surgery can be more complex than upper eyelid surgery, Dr. Sharma’s patient satisfaction rate remains very high. Incisions are "invisible" or near-invisible and the results will give you a natural well-rested appearance.

Why choose Dr. Sharma to perform your Blepharoplasty procedure?

Vijay M. Sharma MD, MPH is a Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and a co-founding member of The Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami. He exclusively focuses on cosmetic procedures and surgery of the face. This specialization includes the face, neck, nose, eyes, ears, etc. Dr. Sharma has devoted his entire professional career to the face only. Dr. Sharma has vast amounts of experience with eyelid surgery. Dr. Sharma, was quoted, "In performing over a 1,000 eyelid procedures, I've developed a further appreciation how important seemingly small details are in eyelid surgery. As an example, it is very important to remove only the necessary amount of tissue from the eyelids to give a nice natural appearance without over-hollowing the eyes. For the best results and safety, you should choose an experienced facial surgeon.”


Are you a good candidate for Lower Eyelid Blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty procedures are usually performed on adult men and women who have healthy facial tissue and muscles and have realistic goals for improvement of the lower eyelids and surrounding area. You should undergo blepharoplasty surgery for your own reasons, and not to fulfill or please anyone else.

Good candidates for blepharoplasty are:

• Non-smokers
• Individuals without serious eye conditions
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for blepharoplasty
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing

You must tell your doctor if you have any of these medical conditions:

• Eye disease such as glaucoma, dry eye or a detached retina
• Thyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease and under or overactive thyroid
• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or other circulatory disorders or diabetes

If you’d like to learn more about your options for lower eyelid blepharoplasty, please give Dr. Sharma’s offices a call at (305) 456-5727 and we’d be happy to continue this conversation with you.