The Revision Facelift Procedure
A revision facelift is significantly more complex than the original procedure. Mr Juling Ong will spend time analysing your face to identify and address the issues with the previous surgery. In order to achieve facial balance and aesthetic, he will often combine a revision facelift with other procedures for a bespoke result.
Surgery Time
4 – 8 hours
Anaesthetic
General
Hospital Stay
Overnight stay
Time Off Work
2 weeks
Full Recovery
6 – 12 weeks
Revision facelifts aim to improve the outcome of facial rejuvenation surgery that has either left the patient feeling there has been slight improvement or there has been a less than satisfactory result. Revision facelifting surgery is technically more challenging for the surgeon. Patients also often have a greater degree of anxiety.
Issues that might affect your facelift result include:
• Skin deformity; skin tension deformities can present as a widened or thickened scar. The earlobe can also be distorted
• Vector deformity; during a facelift, Mr Ong will lift the tissues to the position they were in 10 or 15 years previously, but if the tissues have been lifted backwards rather than up, it can leave the face looking unnatural. A lateral sweep is when the parallel lines appear along the cheeks to the ear.
• Scar positioning; poor placement of the incision can affect the hairline
• Asymmetry; a common concern although no face is perfectly symmetrical
• Imbalance; just focusing on one area can produce a less than satisfactory result. An upper eyelid lift may require lifting of the upper face and a neck often needs to be addressed at the same time as the lower face
• Inappropriate surgery; if a surgeon suggests a mini facelift, it can seem a more attractive option with less downtime, but often it won’t deliver the outcome required
Mr Juling Ong will perform the procedure under general anaesthetic and may use the previous incisions or new incisions, depending on how the scars healed after the previous surgery. He will address issues such as scar tissue and skin tension. Still, it is important to be aware of the reduced predictability of the final outcome as the tissues have been previously manipulated.
Often, the procedure may take twice as long as the primary surgery. Mr Juling Ong may combine a revision facelift with fat grafting, liposuction, and custom facial implants, either simultaneously or with a staged approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a revision facelift?
A revision facelift is a secondary facelift procedure performed on a patient who has previously undergone a facelift. It may be sought because the original results have faded with natural ageing, because the original surgery produced an unnatural or overcorrected appearance, or because complications arose. Revision surgery is technically more demanding than a primary facelift due to scar tissue and altered anatomy from the previous procedure.
Am I a good candidate for a revision facelift?
You are a suitable candidate for a revision facelift if you wish to improve the outcome of a previous surgery or seek a touch-up as it’s been many years since your primary procedure. You should be a non-smoker in good health and have realistic expectations about what a revision facelift can achieve.
How soon can I have a revision facelift after my first facelift?
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least twelve months after a primary facelift before considering revision surgery. This allows the tissues to fully heal and soften, and for the final result to be properly assessed. Earlier intervention may be required in cases of significant complications, but elective revision should not be rushed.
Why is revision facelift surgery more complex?
Previous surgery creates scar tissue that makes tissue planes more difficult to identify and dissect. The blood supply to the skin and underlying tissue can be altered, increasing the risk of skin necrosis. Anatomical landmarks may have shifted. Surgeons undertaking revision work must have specific experience with these challenges, and Mr Juling Ong’s reconstructive background makes him well-suited to this work.
Can a revision facelift correct an overdone or ‘windswept’ appearance?
Yes. An overpulled, tight, or windswept look typically results from excessive skin removal or incorrect tension vectors in the original surgery. A revision procedure can redistribute tension more naturally, replace skin elasticity lost to excessive resection, or reposition the underlying tissues to create a more natural result. The approach depends on the specific cause of the problem.
What results can I expect from a revision facelift?
Results depend on the extent of the previous surgery, the degree of scar tissue, and skin quality. Mr Juling Ong will be honest about what is achievable at your consultation. In most cases, meaningful improvement can be achieved, though revision surgery rarely yields results as dramatic as those of a well-executed primary procedure.
What is the recovery like after a revision facelift?
Often, the downtime can be more extensive than after the initial procedure, as swelling may take longer to resolve.
How do I choose a surgeon for a revision facelift?
A revision facelift requires a surgeon with both advanced technical skill and specific experience in secondary procedures. Look for a surgeon with a reconstructive background, membership of BAAPS or BAPRAS, and the willingness to explain realistic outcomes clearly. Mr Juling Ong consults extensively before undertaking revision work to ensure the goals are achievable.
During your consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
