4 Potential Indicators Of A Positive Facelift Result

Facelift surgery may improve the appearance of loose skin or loss of facial shape. But understanding that there will be variations in the results is important. Results depend on multiple factors like a person’s unique anatomy, healing, and surgery technique. In this article, we explore general considerations that patients may look for when evaluating results after a facelift procedure.

Ensure you have realistic expectations and be prepared to discuss your goals thoroughly with a qualified medical professional.

4 Signs of Good Facelift Results

1. There are no visible scars

Facelift surgery involves incisions, so some scarring is normal. However, experienced surgeons may use techniques to minimise the visibility of scars. This may involve incisions in discreet locations like along the hairline or behind the ears, where these may be less noticeable.

The appearance of scars may depend on the patient’s healing, skin type, and how well they follow post-operative care instructions. While every effort is made to ensure scars remain as inconspicuous as possible, it’s important to discuss any concerns with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon to understand what to expect.

2. There is no windblown or pulled look

While the goal of a facelift is to lift and tone looseskin, too much tightness can be a bad thing. Excessive tightness can lead to a pulled or windblown appearance. This happens due to the skin being overly stretched or lifted without adequate support from underlying structures. 

This effect may be caused by focusing only on the skin rather than addressing the deeper facial layers, like the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system), fat pads, and connective tissues. 

In a deep plane facelift, for instance, the surgeon repositions the deeper layers in the face, not just the skin. This helps evenly distribute tension and prevent overstretching the skin. 

A successful facelift will respect the natural proportions and movements of the face, whereas a poor understanding of facial anatomy may negatively impact the outcomes. All of these expectations will have been properly set with the surgeon.

3. Your smile looks natural

A facelift smooths and improves wrinkles, which typically form in the eyes and mouth area, by trimming away excess skin and tightening the remaining tissue. In the process of eliminating wrinkles, a good facelift maintains your mouth area, wherein you can keep a natural-looking smile. 

4. Your ear doesn’t appear distorted

A common facelift risk is having a distorted ear lobe resulting from pulling the skin down the ear lobes, distorting their shape. A good facelift does not result in any unnatural change to the shape of the ear.

Disclaimer: At Artiste Plastic Surgery, our Plastic Surgeons led by Dr Jack Zoumaras have been trained to the highest possible degree. All surgery has risks and it is always advised to get a second opinion. Risks are very real and we cannot guarantee any result. Results are illustrated as a guide only. All risks are managed and any need for revision surgery or complications (1-5%) can be managed by our specialist plastic surgeons.

Any statements on how you will feel is based on Level V Evidence:

Level V:  How you will feel after plastic surgery varies between individuals, depending on psychological and physical factors. Our internal research is based on how patients in our practice feel after surgery.

The blogs are not a substitute for a medical consultation and do not form as part of the doctor to patient relationship.