If you’re contemplating a facelift, you might be curious about the indicators of successful facelift outcomes or, conversely, the signs of an unsatisfactory facelift. This article will discuss the distinctions between excellent and subpar results.
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Centre for Surgery is a specialist plastic surgery clinic and is home to some of the finest plastic surgeons in London, with a collective experience of over 50 years. Our surgeons possess specialised expertise in various facial rejuvenation procedures, and our primary goal is to assist men and women in achieving a more youthful version of themselves.
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What Constitutes a “Good Facelift”?
We believe a successful facelift results in a natural, rejuvenated, and younger appearance without looking overdone. In contrast, poor facelifts exhibit the opposite effect.
Naturally, this is a matter of personal preference. Some individuals prefer a more dramatic look, while others opt for subtlety. Many people appreciate facelift results that are not immediately apparent. In our opinion, the signs of a bad facelift involve overly exaggerated and unnatural outcomes. At Centre for Surgery, we prioritise achieving a natural-looking facelift.
Signs of a Bad Facelift
You can identify a bad facelift by looking for the following signs:
- Overstretched skin
- Visible scars
- Earlobes that are attached to the head
- Restricted facial movement
- A youthful-looking face but an aged neck
We will elaborate on these indicators further in this article.
Ensuring High-Quality Facelift Results Before Scheduling an Appointment
Focusing primarily on the price when searching for potential plastic surgery options can be problematic for several reasons. If the cost is your main concern, you may overlook other crucial factors.
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Moreover, a “budget facelift” does not necessarily guarantee excellent results, and facelift outcomes are permanent. Therefore, selecting your surgeon should be done with great care.
We recommend conducting thorough research when considering your options. This involves investigating your surgeon’s qualifications (are they plastic or cosmetic surgeons?) and evaluating their experience. A great way to gauge their skills is by examining their facelift before and after images.
By analysing these photos, you can assess whether the patient experienced a good or bad facelift result by considering the following factors:
1- The Location of Your Facelift Scars
Scarring is the primary indicator of any cosmetic surgery procedure. Concealed scars are crucial if you don’t want others to instantly recognise that you’ve undergone surgery.
Facelift scars should ideally be positioned within the hairline. In front of the ears, the scars should consistently follow the ear’s natural contours. Scars behind the ears ought to be situated in the recess where the ears connect to the skull. Additionally, the earlobes should be correctly positioned at the end of the procedure, free from tension.
We often encounter patients who previously underwent facelift surgery elsewhere, resulting in earlobes that seem to stretch into the neck. Even to an untrained eye, this is quite noticeable. Poorly placed and conspicuous scars serve as a giveaway that you’ve had a facelift.
2- Your Face and Neck Appear Consistent
A clear indication of successful facelift results is the consistency in appearance between your face and neck. When a facelift is performed correctly, the skin on your neck tightens and the muscle is repositioned, resulting in a neck that appears more proportionate to your face. A well-executed face and neck lift surgery can remove excess skin and take years off your appearance.
Both the face and neck should appear consistent after the surgery. A youthful face with an aged neck or vice versa can look unnatural. For this reason, face and neck surgeries should be performed in the same procedure.
At Centre for Surgery, we always recommend undergoing a full face and neck lift procedure rather than focusing on just one area. Results from this combined approach are typically better and longer-lasting.
3 – Your Skin is Tighter and pulled in the Proper Direction
During a facelift, your surgeon will tighten the underlying muscles and tissues, as well as lift any sagging skin. This will contribute to a more youthful appearance. If executed correctly, your skin will be pulled taut in the appropriate direction, which helps reduce sagging jowls and wrinkles.
It is crucial to pull the facial skin back in the right direction and with the proper degree of tightness. Your skin should feel firm, plump, and smooth after the surgery.
Tightening the tissues beneath the skin is essential for reducing tension on the skin during the healing process. This contributes to finer, less noticeable facelift scars. While it is important to minimise facial lines and wrinkles, having some wrinkles is normal.
A facelift with excessively tight skin, resulting in a face without any fine lines, can appear unnatural.
4 – You Should Look Approximately 10 Years Younger After Your Facelift
One of the most evident signs of successful facelift results is appearing younger than before the surgery. A facelift can subtract years from your appearance, giving you a more youthful look. Most patients report looking at least ten years younger following their surgery, making it an effective anti-ageing solution.
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A successful facelift returns facial tissues to their original position rather than pulling them to unnatural locations.
An ideal facelift should make you appear about ten years younger. After the procedure, you should resemble a younger version of yourself, not an entirely different person. Patients seeking a more drastic outcome may end up looking odd afterwards.
It is crucial to maintain realistic expectations about what facelift surgery can achieve. No facial rejuvenation procedure should alter your natural features—instead, it should enhance them. A suitable candidate for any facial rejuvenation procedure, be it a brow lift, blepharoplasty, or facelift, should understand this. Surgical techniques aimed at reducing signs of ageing yield a more natural and youthful appearance.
5 – Normal Facial Movement Should Be Maintained
High-quality facelift results should not limit your facial movements. After surgery, you should be able to smile, squint, and frown as usual. If you experience considerable restrictions in movement, it may indicate that your facelift was performed too tightly or aggressively. Nerve injuries in the face during a facelift are extremely rare when conducted by a skilled surgeon.
Following a successful facelift, you should be able to move your mouth and display normal facial expressions. If your lower face or forehead appears inexpressive, it may be evident that you have undergone a facelift.
Persistent muscle weakness after a facelift may be permanent. If you encounter significant muscle weakness or paralysis, it’s crucial to seek medical assistance immediately.
Scarring after Facelift FAQs
Why does it take six months for facelift results to show?
We recommend waiting six months to fully appreciate the final outcome of your facelift. This is because facial tissues can remain swollen for an extended period, causing the appearance of asymmetry or a result that seems ‘not tight enough.’ Generally, you can expect to see the final results of your facelift procedure about six months after surgery.
How long does a facelift last?
The results of a facelift typically last around ten years, making you appear about a decade younger. Keep in mind that facelift surgery does not halt the ageing process, but it does provide a more youthful appearance compared to your pre-surgery state.
You can prolong the longevity of your facelift by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, investing in high-quality skincare products, and considering cosmetic injectables as needed.
Schedule a facelift consultation at Centre for Surgery today
With over 50 years of combined experience, Centre for Surgery is the premier specialist plastic surgery clinic in the UK, with our surgeons dedicated to achieving exceptional facelift results. If you’re contemplating facelift surgery and desire a natural-looking outcome, contact us at 0207 993 4849 or email us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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