Rhytidectomy, also known as “facelift” or “face-lift”, is a complex surgical procedure designed to release and reposition the soft tissues of the face, and to remove excess skin and fat. The combined effect of this procedure should be natural-appearing rejuvenation – restoring the patient’s face to a more youthful state. Depending on the approach used and the demands of each patient’s unique anatomy, however, not all results are complete or satisfactory. For patients who have undergone a facelift elsewhere and who have incomplete or unsatisfactory results, Dr. Ransom offers revision surgery.

Dr. Ransom tailors his facelift approach to the specific anatomy of each patient, and works closely with each individual to satisfy specific goals – all the while making sure that, in the end, “you still look like you” …just a younger, more vibrant “you”! Dr. Ransom is a specialist in revision plastic surgery and revision facelift surgery. Many patients seeking revision of a previous facelift have experienced common aesthetic complications or postoperative deformities.

A common problem of skin-only facelifts, and most facelifts with a horizontal vector, is the appearance of tightness of the skin and what is often called the “wind-swept” deformity. This is most evident near the corner of the mouth, as the posterior pulling stretches the skin in this area in an unaesthetic way – creating an unnatural contour and an “operated” look. A related problem may occur in the neck when the skin is tightened but the neck muscles are not treated. This can lead to the appearance of two tight bands in the anterior neck (the medial edges of the platysma muscles), which is called a “cobra neck” deformity, because of the similarity to a snake in a striking position. Both of these postoperative issues require revision facelift, with a deeper level of dissection and attention to the repositioning of the deep connective tissue and muscle layers of the face and neck, and a vertical vector of lift.

Other common issues after traditional, limited facelifts include incomplete treatment or early recurrence of the jowls and persistence of the drooping cheek area (midface ptosis). These problems are different but related to the same phenomenon – incomplete release of the facial soft tissues. Dr. Ransom ensures that these problems do not occur by performing a more complete facelift – without making a bigger incision! In addition, patients who have had a previous facelift but have experienced these issues can undergo a revision facelift to treat the jowls and lift the cheeks.

A revision facelift, as performed by Dr. Ransom, uses a similar approach to the primary facelift. Dr. Ransom uses the latest in facelifting techniques to elevate the neck, jowls, and cheeks (midface) in one surgical procedure. With this approach, Dr. Ransom doesn’t just lift the skin (which creates the unnatural “wind-swept” look and fails to lift the cheeks) – he lifts the deep tissues and muscles of the face and neck. The result is a better, longer-lasting, and more natural-appearing facelift …a correction of the previous surgery and a more youthful, vibrant, and healthy-looking you. Please visit the photo gallery for examples.

Revision facelift is most often performed under sedation or general anesthesia, and can be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures (such as upper and lower eyelid lift, lip lift, or implants) and skin resurfacing (such as lasers). After the procedure, the face will appear puffy or swollen. A soft cotton dressing is used to wrap the face and neck for about 24 hours, after which a light bandage may be applied. Some bruising will occur, but pain is limited. Patients are generally able to return to work in about a week, though direct or prolonged sun exposure should be avoided during the healing process. For more information about revision rhytidectomy, please contact Dr. Ransom or schedule your consultation today!

Who is a candidate?

Patients who have had a facelift more recently and are not happy with the results or feel that there could be more improvement may require a revision facelift. This is different than a secondary facelift, where patients typically are satisfied with the results of their first facelift, but have continued to age and experienced some recurrence of drooping skin, neck bands, or jowls (please see the Secondary Facelift page). Revision facelifts address the specific problems or deformities caused by the previous surgery and are designed to improve the previous result – all while keeping you looking natural. Dr. Ransom would be happy to discuss options with you during your confidential consultation. Please call today to schedule.

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.