A revision facelift or neck lift is a secondary procedure that corrects or improves the results of a previous surgery.

It involves repositioning underlying tissues, removing excess skin and fat, and tightening the muscles. The procedure is often performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the process.

Most patients seek revision facial surgery because the outcome of a previous facelift or neck lift didn’t deliver the results they were hoping for.

This may include visible scarring, asymmetry, skin that appears too tight or unnaturally pulled, or issues not adequately addressed during the initial procedure, such as jowling, neck laxity, or loss of definition.

Others pursue revision surgery due to the effects of aging. Naturally, wrinkles may form over time, skin may begin to sag again, and the face will lose volume. These changes can diminish the results of the original procedure, making your face and neck appear older or less refreshed.

For some patients, surgical complications and changes in aesthetic goals may force them to seek better results than previously achieved.

Common Concerns After a Primary Facelift or Neck Lift

While many patients are satisfied with their initial facelift or neck lift, some may experience outcomes that fall short of their expectations. Here are the most common concerns that may necessitate a facelift revision in Oklahoma City:

Facial Asymmetry

One side of the face may appear tighter and more refined than the other. This may be due to uneven tension during the initial lift or differences in healing.

Unnatural Appearance

Some facelifts result in skin that looks pulled or stretched. This can distort natural facial expressions and draw unwanted attention rather than offering a refreshed look.

Visible Scarring

Scarring will occur if the incisions from the initial surgery are poorly placed or do not heal properly. This may result in raised, wide, or darker scars than the surrounding skin, making them more noticeable. Excess scar tissue may sometimes form beneath the skin’s surface, causing tightness in the surrounding areas.

Residual Sagging or Skin Laxity

Loose skin may persist if the deeper tissues were not adequately repositioned. As a result, patients may still have noticeable signs of aging, such as jowls and neck laxity, despite having had surgery.

Volume Loss

A facelift may improve sagging, but it doesn’t always restore lost volume in the cheeks, temples, or under the eyes. Without volume enhancement, the face can still appear aged or hollow.

What Makes Revision Surgery More Complex?

Revision facelift and neck lift procedures are more complex than primary surgeries due to the changes that occur in the tissues after the initial operation. For instance, the scars that form during the healing process can make it difficult to identify critical structures, increasing the risk of damaging nerves and blood vessels.

Previous incisions and tissue manipulation can also disrupt blood circulation in the area. This can slow healing, increase the risk of complications like scarring, and limit the extent to which tissues can be adjusted.

In addition, after the initial lift, the skin may lose its stretch and become thinner or more fragile. This limits how much additional tightening can be done during revision without risking an unnatural or overdone result.

Since facial anatomy is often altered in the first procedure by removing or repositioning the muscles, fat pads, and connective tissues, a corrective surgery can only be done by an experienced surgeon with a deep understanding of facial structure and your surgical history.

Our Approach to Revision Facelift and Neck Lift in Oklahoma City

Dr. Wayne will first review your facial and neck anatomy to assess the results of your previous surgery. During this consultation, he will examine areas of concern such as visible scars, asymmetry, volume loss, or skin laxity, and discuss your goals to understand what you hope to improve.

Thereafter, he will review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for surgery. This includes evaluating past surgical records, any complications you may have experienced, and your overall health and medications.

You’ll receive preoperative instructions, which may include adjusting medications, stopping smoking, or arranging for post-surgical care. On the day of your procedure, Dr. Wayne will review the plan again and mark incision areas based on your anatomy and the issues being addressed.

He will then administer anesthesia and reopen previous incisions where possible to minimize additional scarring. Depending on your concerns, he may reposition underlying tissues, remove or redrape loose skin, or restore volume with fat grafting. This involves harvesting fat from another area of your body, such as the abdomen or thighs, purifying it, and injecting it into areas that have lost fullness.

Dr. Wayne will then close the incisions using sutures. The whole process may take 2–5 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure. You will then be taken to the recovery room, where our team will monitor your progress before discharge.

What to Expect From Recovery and Results

Recovery after a revision facelift in Oklahoma City is generally longer than a primary procedure. This is mainly due to scar tissue and changes in the skin and underlying tissues.

You may experience slight pain, swelling, bruising, and tightness in the first week. These side effects are normal and can be managed using pain medications, antibiotics, wearing compression garments, and keeping your head elevated while resting. We may also use small drains to prevent fluid buildup.

In most cases, bruising fades by week two and swelling improves by the end of week four. Some residual puffiness may remain for several weeks but will gradually soften as healing progresses.

You may feel comfortable returning to non-strenuous activities within 10 to 14 days. However, it’s important to avoid vigorous exercise, bending, or lifting until after 4 to 6 weeks.

Early improvements in facial and neck contour can be seen after the first month, and the final results may take 3 to 6 months. Once healing is complete, you will notice improved balance and symmetry. The results will also complement your natural features.

To enhance the longevity of the results, Dr. Wayne may recommend a tailored skincare regimen such as laser resurfacing or skin tightening therapies and routine follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. This will help maintain the quality of your skin and address any concerns early, before they become a big issue.