Is a Revision Facelift Painful?

While discomfort is expected following a revision facelift, significant pain is uncommon due to advancements in surgical techniques and proper post-operative care. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness, tightness, and swelling, particularly during the first week; however, these symptoms are well-managed with prescribed pain medication and careful aftercare. Since revision facelifts involve working around existing scar tissue, the healing process may differ slightly from that of a primary facelift; however, a skilled surgeon ensures minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Typically, patients undergo an initial consultation to assess their concerns and discuss their surgical goals. Once the procedure is scheduled, a pre-operative appointment may be required to review medical history, finalize the surgical plan, and provide detailed pre-surgery instructions. After surgery, follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring healing and ensuring optimal results. Most patients have an initial post-operative visit within the first few days, followed by additional check-ins at one week, one month, three months, and six months. In some cases, further follow-ups may be recommended to track long-term progress.

How Long Until I See Results?

The results of a revision facelift gradually become more apparent as swelling subsides and the tissues settle. While initial swelling and bruising are noticeable in the first two weeks, significant improvement is typically seen around the 4- to 6-week mark. Patients can appreciate a more defined jawline, smoother contours, and a fresher facial appearance by this time. Since revision facelifts involve working with preexisting changes to the facial structure, patience is essential as the healing process unfolds.

Can I Combine a Revision Facelift With Other Procedures?

It’s common to incorporate procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, or fat grafting with a revision facelift. These additional treatments address specific concerns, such as sagging skin in the neck, drooping eyelids, or volume loss in the cheeks, to ensure a more balanced and youthful overall appearance. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, or Botox, can also be performed in conjunction with or after a revision facelift to refine and maintain results. However, since revision facelifts require a delicate approach due to existing scar tissue and previous surgical work, Dr. Somenek will carefully evaluate your candidacy for combined procedures.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Revision Facelift?

Common risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and prolonged tightness, all of which typically subside during the healing process. Since revision surgery involves working with pre-existing scar tissue, there is a slightly higher risk of complications such as delayed healing, asymmetry, or skin irregularities compared to a primary facelift. Other potential risks include infection, bleeding, poor scarring, or changes in skin sensation. In rare cases, skin elasticity may not respond as expected, which could impact the final outcome.

New York City

Revision Facelift Surgery

Revision Facelift Surgery New York City

While a facelift can deliver dramatic rejuvenation and enhance a patient’s natural beauty, especially when performed by a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, there are occasions when complications arise or the results are not what the patient expected. In these cases, a revision procedure can be performed to restore harmony and balance among the features and ensure that the patient feels confident, beautiful, and at ease. Internationally recognized and Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Somenek in New York City specializes in producing elegant, nuanced results that reflect each patient’s unique goals and aesthetic vision.

A revision facelift is typically less invasive than the original procedure, often resulting in a smoother recovery. Whether you’re dissatisfied with a previous facelift performed elsewhere or simply want to refine your appearance over time, Dr. Somenek offers personalized consultations at his New York City practice to assess your concerns and determine the best course forward. With meticulous attention to detail, he focuses on achieving natural-looking improvements that complement your features while addressing any complications or unmet goals from your initial surgery.

What Is a Revision Facelift?

Revision facelift surgery is performed for patients who have not achieved their original goals the first time around or who have experienced complications after a primary facial surgery. The procedure can also be performed for those who underwent a facelift years ago and now desire a new procedure utilizing updated techniques. If your results have not been satisfactory or the surgery did not go far enough in reversing signs of aging, Dr. Somenek in New York City, NY, can restore your appearance and confidence by performing advanced revision surgery.

A woman with light brown, shoulder-length hair wears a cream knit sweater and bracelet. She looks slightly left with a neutral expression. Soft natural light and a pale gray background complete the scene. - Revision Rhinoplasty in Washington, DC and New York, NY

Common Reasons for Undergoing a Revision Facelift

In New York City, many individuals opt for a revision facelift to refresh the results of an earlier procedure that has gradually diminished over time. Natural aging, environmental exposure, and lifestyle choices all contribute to changes in the skin and underlying tissues, even after an initial facelift. For example, collagen continues to break down with age, which can lead to the return of sagging or loose skin along the face and neck. Additionally, facial fat may begin to descend again, particularly in the cheek area, resulting in an older or more tired appearance.

As collagen and elastin levels decline further, new aesthetic concerns can arise, such as hollowing around the eyes, sagging under the lower eyelids, or a sunken appearance. In some cases, removing too much fat from the neck during the original procedure can lead to an unwanted indentation—often referred to as a “cobra neck”—which may be accentuated by loose skin on either side.

Other patients seek revision surgery due to complications from the initial facelift. If the skin was pulled too tightly during the first procedure, it may cause unnatural features such as overly stretched earlobes, visible or widened scars, and unnatural skin creasing between the ears and cheeks. Excessive tension can also increase the risk of thickened or raised scars that are more noticeable over time.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Revision Facelift?

Ideal candidates for a revision facelift with Dr. Somenek in New York City are healthy non-smokers who recognize that the procedure will bring improvement but may not achieve “perfection.” They may have experienced problems related to their initial surgery, such as poor scarring, asymmetry, or adverse skin tension, and are now seeking a viable, effective solution. A revision facelift is suitable for those dealing with unwanted skin laxity or contour irregularities that were not addressed the first time around. To make sure the procedure will be safe and successful for you, Dr. Somenek will complete a detailed consultation process at his office in NYC.

What Are the Benefits of a Revision Facelift?

Dr. Somenek performs revision facelift surgery with exquisite artistry and precision, allowing his NYC patients to enjoy a wealth of transformative benefits. Advantages include:

Improved facial balance and harmony
A more youthful, inviting appearance
Correction of complications
Minimal scarring
Preservation of facial spontaneity
Enhanced definition and sculpting
Natural-looking results
Heightened self-esteem and peace of mind

What’s the First Step?

Just as with your initial procedure, you will need to undergo an in-depth consultation with Dr. Somenek prior to your surgery. The doctor will listen carefully to your concerns and answer any questions related to the treatment, going over the risks, benefits, costs, recovery time, and potential results associated with a revision facelift in New York City. He will complete a thorough evaluation of your facial anatomy, taking note of the original incisions and identifying regions where excess scar tissue may present an issue. He will then create a one-of-a-kind treatment plan to restore your natural beauty.

Once you have been approved as a candidate, our team will book your surgery and support you by offering preparation instructions to make your cosmetic journey as seamless as possible.

What to Expect on the Day of Revision Facelift Surgery

Your New York City revision facelift surgery is performed under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with sedation may also be an option, depending on the doctor’s recommendations. Once you are resting, Dr. Somenek will create your incisions and then address the underlying muscle layer, repositioning the tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a more youthful and balanced appearance. He will use today’s most innovative techniques to ensure your final outcome is elegant and highly natural. Once all changes have been completed, Dr. Somenek will close your incisions using state-of-the-art suturing techniques. He will then place you in our recovery area and carefully monitor you until you are cleared to return home.

What to Expect from a Revision Deep Plane Facelift in New York City

For many patients in the greater NYC area, a revision deep plane facelift is typically less extensive than their initial surgery. In these cases, the focus is often on correcting specific issues rather than performing a full facial overhaul. For example, Dr. Somenek may concentrate on easing skin tension to soften visible scarring or smooth out unnatural skin folds. If the original facelift didn’t sufficiently lift and reposition the facial muscles, a revision procedure can address those missed areas for a more balanced, natural-looking result.

Sometimes, the effects of a facelift can fade more quickly than expected. This may lead to renewed skin laxity or a shift in facial fat distribution, especially as aging continues. A secondary facelift works to restore the refreshed look of the original surgery by carefully removing excess skin and repositioning fat to better contour the face.

Beyond the physical improvements, many patients find that a revision facelift significantly boosts their self-confidence and comfort in their appearance. That said, because it is still a surgical procedure, recovery typically takes about four to six weeks. It’s important to wait at least six months after your initial facelift before considering a revision, to allow time for healing and to assess your final results fully.

Revision Facelift Recovery

Because a revision facelift can be more complex than the original surgery, and existing scar tissue can present certain issues, recovery after a facelift revision may be more extensive than the first time around. Most patients will notice visible swelling and bruising for around 10 to 14 days. However, in the third or fourth week of recovery, significant improvements will become apparent. Patients will need to follow Dr. Somenek’s aftercare instructions carefully, keeping their head elevated initially to reduce swelling, avoiding strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks, and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments with the doctor.

How Much Does a Revision Facelift Cost in New York City, NY?

Pricing for revision facelift surgery in New York City can range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the work required to meet your goals and the degree of complications present. At the conclusion of your private consultation, you will receive a detailed and personalized quote for our services

Why Choose Dr. Somenek?

Dr. Michael T. Somenek is an internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon who goes above and beyond to deliver the natural-looking, customized results you most desire. He has undergone extensive, specialized training in the intricate structures of the face, head, and neck, making him the ideal choice for your revision facelift surgery in New York City, NY. Dr. Somenek is frequently called upon in the most complex revision cases, thanks to his precision and attention to detail. Through consummate artistry, Dr. Somenek avoids an “over-operated” look, maximizing facial harmony and natural beauty while resolving the flaws that leave you feeling self-conscious.

Dr. Somenek is a member of the American Board of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (ABO-HNS), the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS), the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS).

Revision Facelift FAQs

While discomfort is expected following a revision facelift, significant pain is uncommon due to advancements in surgical techniques and proper post-operative care. Most patients experience mild to moderate soreness, tightness, and swelling, particularly during the first week; however, these symptoms are well-managed with prescribed pain medication and careful aftercare. Since revision facelifts involve working around existing scar tissue, the healing process may differ slightly from that of a primary facelift; however, a skilled surgeon ensures minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.
Typically, patients undergo an initial consultation to assess their concerns and discuss their surgical goals. Once the procedure is scheduled, a pre-operative appointment may be required to review medical history, finalize the surgical plan, and provide detailed pre-surgery instructions. After surgery, follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring healing and ensuring optimal results. Most patients have an initial post-operative visit within the first few days, followed by additional check-ins at one week, one month, three months, and six months. In some cases, further follow-ups may be recommended to track long-term progress.
The results of a revision facelift gradually become more apparent as swelling subsides and the tissues settle. While initial swelling and bruising are noticeable in the first two weeks, significant improvement is typically seen around the 4- to 6-week mark. Patients can appreciate a more defined jawline, smoother contours, and a fresher facial appearance by this time. Since revision facelifts involve working with preexisting changes to the facial structure, patience is essential as the healing process unfolds.
It’s common to incorporate procedures such as a neck lift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), brow lift, or fat grafting with a revision facelift. These additional treatments address specific concerns, such as sagging skin in the neck, drooping eyelids, or volume loss in the cheeks, to ensure a more balanced and youthful overall appearance. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser skin resurfacing, dermal fillers, or Botox, can also be performed in conjunction with or after a revision facelift to refine and maintain results. However, since revision facelifts require a delicate approach due to existing scar tissue and previous surgical work, Dr. Somenek will carefully evaluate your candidacy for combined procedures.
Common risks include swelling, bruising, temporary numbness, and prolonged tightness, all of which typically subside during the healing process. Since revision surgery involves working with pre-existing scar tissue, there is a slightly higher risk of complications such as delayed healing, asymmetry, or skin irregularities compared to a primary facelift. Other potential risks include infection, bleeding, poor scarring, or changes in skin sensation. In rare cases, skin elasticity may not respond as expected, which could impact the final outcome.

5.0

Patient Reviews

Thank you for the fantastic experience.

I recently had a facial procedure at Somemek and Pittman Clinic, and I’m extremely happy with the results! The staff was very professional and supportive, guiding me through every step and ensuring I felt comfortable. The recovery was smooth, and I love how I look now. I highly recommend Dr. Pittman for anyone considering facial procedures. Thank you for the fantastic experience.

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Aubrey L.
I had spent years searching for the right doctor, and choosing Dr. Somenek was truly the best decision I could have made

Dr. Somenek is truly exceptional. From the very first consultation to the final results, the entire experience exceeded every expectation I had. His attention to detail, artistic eye, and deep understanding of facial harmony are unmatched.

Beyond the amazing results, the level of care and attention from both Dr. Somenek and his entire team was outstanding. He personally called me to check in after my procedure, and the team followed up as well to make sure I felt supported every step of the way. I felt completely cared for, and genuinely listened to throughout the entire process.

I had spent years searching for the right doctor, and choosing Dr. Somenek was truly the best decision I could have made. If you are looking for someone who is not only highly skilled but also a perfectionist who truly cares about his patients, I cannot recommend him enough.

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L.S., Google
I had high expectations and they were exceeded at every turn.

Dr. Pittman and his team are the best there is. He presented options to me I hadn’t even considered! After my initial consult I had more questions and they got me in swiftly and answered them all. The office, surgical suite and staff are 11/10. I felt safe and cared for. Dr Pittman even called me himself the next day to check in! On top of all of that, I couldn’t be happier with my results. I would recommend him to anyone. I had high expectations and they were exceeded at every turn.

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Aubrey L.

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