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.

Washington, D.C.

Revision Facelift

Facelift Revision in Washington, D.C.

Facelift surgery can successfully rejuvenate a patient’s appearance; however, in some cases, patients may be dissatisfied with their results. Additionally, a facelift does not prevent the natural aging process from affecting the surgical results over time, although the pace of this change will differ among patients. In either case, correcting the concerns that remain from your initial procedure is possible with a revision facelift in Washington, D.C.

This procedure can address several concerns that patients often experience after surgery, and the recovery period is less intense due to revision facelifts typically being less invasive. If you are unhappy with the results of a facelift you received from another surgeon, Board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Somenek can consult with you about getting a revision.

What is a Revision Facelift?

A revision facelift is when a patient undergoes a second (or, in rare cases, third) facelift. This can be due to a number of reasons; however, in many cases, patients experience it some years after their original facelift, when they begin to notice sagging skin and excess fat again. In other cases, patients want to revise their original procedure if they aren’t happy with the outcome. This can be due to the surgeon over-pulling the skin, resulting in an unnatural, tight appearance or other complications. The process is more in-depth, as the surgeon now has to work around excess scar tissue. To achieve the optimal results of the procedure, a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon specializing in deep plane facelifts is necessary to ensure a natural-looking outcome.

Close-up of a woman examining her face in a mirror. The woman has light brown hair pulled back. She is looking at herself in the mirror, her hands are near her face, one hand is on her forehead and the other near her ear. The background is a light, neutral gray.- Revision Facelift in Washington, DC and New York, NY

Reasons Why People Undergo Revision Facelift Surgery (Revision Rhytidectomy)

Revision facelift patients in Washington, D.C., primarily request a repeat procedure to restore their enhancements after natural degradation over time due to aging, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits. For instance, collagen in the skin continues to break down after surgery, so loose and sagging skin could redevelop on the face and neck. Additionally, facial fat may begin to droop and shift again, especially in the cheeks, further aging your facial appearance.

Declining collagen and elastin contribute to additional cosmetic concerns after a facelift, such as hollow or sunken eyes and under-eye sagging. Lastly, when too much fat is removed from the neck, an indentation may form in the middle, known as a cobra neck. This indentation may have sagging skin on the sides for some patients, making the area more prominent.
In some cases, the primary facelift procedure tightens the skin excessively, resulting in excessive tension and various cosmetic side effects. When the skin is pulled too tightly during a facelift, it could lead to pointed ear lobes, more prominent scarring, and parallel lines in the skin from the ears to the cheeks. Excess skin tension can also cause facelift scars to widen and thicken, making them more prominent.

What Are the Benefits of a Revision Facelift?

A revision facelift not only corrects these concerns related to signs of aging but can also improve upon previous surgical results, addressing issues such as excessive skin tension, scarring, or unnatural contours. With advancements in modern facelift techniques, a skilled plastic surgeon can reposition facial structures with greater precision, enhance definition in the jawline and cheeks, and restore lost volume. By carefully performing the procedure on the patient’s unique facial anatomy and prior surgical history, a revision facelift delivers refined, natural-looking results that achieve the patient’s ultimate goals.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Revision Facelift?

The ideal candidate for a revision facelift is someone who has previously undergone a facelift but is experiencing recurrent signs of aging or dissatisfaction with their initial results. Candidates may notice skin laxity, volume depletion, or contour irregularities that impact their overall facial harmony. Additionally, patients who have developed visible scarring, asymmetry, or excessive skin tension from their primary facelift may benefit from a skilled revision procedure. Since revision facelifts require a careful approach due to existing scar tissue and altered anatomy, selecting a surgeon with expertise in secondary facelift procedures, such as Dr. Somenek in Washington, D.C., is essential.

What’s the
First Step?

Similar to your original procedure, you’ll first need a consultation before undergoing your procedure. In this case, you will need a board-certified, experienced, and well-educated plastic surgeon to perform surgery such as a revision facelift. In Washington, D.C., Dr. Somenek takes appointments with patients to develop a surgical plan tailored to the revision of the original work. This includes conducting a thorough assessment of your facial anatomy, noting the original areas of incision, identifying areas where excess scar tissue may be present, and pinpointing the areas that pose the highest risk of complications or concerns. Based on this assessment, he will combine his findings with your goals to determine the most suitable surgical approach.

During this appointment, you will also review cost estimates, financing options, pre- and post-operative care, and expectations for the procedure. We understand that this can be a highly emotional experience, and we assure you that our team is here to support you in reaching your goals. Please ask any questions you may have, as we want you to feel as comfortable as possible before moving forward.

What to Expect for a Revision Facelift

The operation is usually less extensive for patients who opt for a revision deep plane facelift surgery in Washington, D.C. For instance, Dr. Somenek may focus on relieving the extra skin tension to reduce the appearance of scars and lines. IA revision facelift could make these necessary changes if the facial muscles were not tightened and lifted adequately during the first procedure.

In some situations, the results of a facelift may deteriorate more quickly, leading to the re-sagging of skin and the redistribution of facial fat over time. A revision facelift addresses these concerns once again to restore the enhancements of your initial procedure by removing excess skin and redistributing facial fat.

In addition to the various cosmetic benefits of revision facelift surgery, patients report substantially better confidence in themselves and their appearance afterward. However, since the procedure is invasive and requires four to six weeks of recovery, you should only get a revision facelift at least six months or more after your initial procedure.

Revision Facelift Recovery

Recovery from a revision facelift is typically more complex than that of a primary facelift due to the presence of existing scar tissue and the intricacy of reworking previous surgical changes. While individual healing times vary, most patients can expect noticeable swelling and bruising for the first 10 to 14 days, with significant improvement by the third to fourth week. Mild residual swelling may persist for several months as the tissues fully settle. Patients are advised to follow all post-operative care instructions closely, including keeping their heads elevated, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments.

How much does
a revision facelift cost?

The cost of a Revision Deep Plane Facelift in Washington, D.C, varies based on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s expertise, and the specific corrections required. Because revision facelifts involve working around previous surgical alterations and scar tissue, they often require more time and precision than a primary facelift, which may impact the overall price.

On average, a revision facelift in Washington, D.C., can range from $20,000 to $40,000 or more. This estimate typically includes the surgeon’s fees, anesthesia, and facility costs. However, a consultation is essential for an accurate quote, as each patient’s needs are unique.

Why Choose Dr. Somenek?

Dr. Somenek’s intensive training in the complex structures of the face, head, and neck distinguishes him among plastic surgeons in Washington, D.C. He trains and educates other physicians nationwide on various injectables and frequently consults on complex cases requiring an expert opinion. His aesthetic philosophy emphasizes facial proportions and balance, aiming to achieve natural and refreshed outcomes that avoid the “plastic” look. By adhering to principles of facial harmony, Dr. Somenek ensures that each patient’s unique features are enhanced, resulting in a rejuvenated appearance that looks both beautiful and authentic.

Revision Facelift FAQ’S

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.

Discover The Difference

Getting a facelift is a significant commitment that requires enduring the recovery period, which is why it can be disheartening if the results do not meet your expectations. Additionally, due to individual health and physical characteristics, your results may decline rapidly. In both cases, a revision facelift in Washington, D.C., could rejuvenate your appearance once more by correcting specific issues and restoring initial enhancements.

You do not need to return to the original plastic surgery practice to get this revision. Dr. Somenek is available to help anyone who has not been wholly satisfied with their operation. Please let us know your concerns, and we’ll set up a time to learn how Somenek+Pittman MD can assist you.

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