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.