The Secret to Prolonging Facelift Results / Unveiling 1-Year Post-Facelift Reviews

 

The Secret to Prolonging Facelift Results / Unveiling 1-Year Post-Facelift Reviews

Let's discuss the duration of a facelift's effect.

Hello, I am head doctor Kim Yong-woo of Returning Plastic Surgery.

As facelift surgery is a major decision, there is significant interest in how long the results last. Patients often undergo treatments like ultrasound lifting or thread lifting first, become disappointed with the short duration of effects, and then decide to pursue the more definitive facelift surgery.

However, there are unfortunately many cases where patients who have undergone a facelift report that the sagging returned after only 6 months, that they almost reverted to their original state after a year, or that they only ended up with complications like scars and pixie ears. Why do maintenance periods differ among clinics? You must understand the principle of the facelift.

In this article, I will give you tips on how to extend the duration of your facelift results.

The Difference in Principle: Thread Lift vs. Facelift

The typical thread lift simply pulls and bunches up the sagging tissue. Although it is theoretically claimed that adhesion occurs while the tissue is lifted, the lack of dissection means that the bunched-up tissue often unfolds and reverts to its original state before stable adhesion can occur, resulting in a disappointing, short duration of effect.

In contrast, the principle of a facelift involves widely dissecting the tissue, vertically repositioning the sagging tissue plane, and creating surface adhesion in the new position. If adhesion occurs at the repositioned site, the effect can be permanent. The key, ultimately, is maintaining the lifted state of the tissue until surface adhesion is complete. The crucial questions are when surface adhesion occurs and what precautions must be taken until then.

Time until Surface Adhesion

While recovery speed varies by individual, on average, you should consider the first two months as the period during which adhesion forms and stabilizes.

Cases of Short Facelift Maintenance Period

The most important concept regarding the longevity of a facelift is the Cheese-Wiring Effect.

This is a phenomenon where, if cheese is suspended by a wire, the cheese eventually cuts and separates from the wire. Just as cheese can be cut by a wire, human tissue can also be torn by sutures.

The principle of a facelift involves lifting the SMAS layer and securing it in the new, elevated position using sutures. In the early stages, before surface adhesion, the SMAS is held in place solely by the strength of the sutures. If the fixation suture undergoes Cheese-Wiring during this period, the lifted tissue will descend, and surface adhesion will occur in that lowered state.

If the sagging tissue was pulled from position A to B, but Cheese-Wiring occurs early on, it will eventually settle at position C. To maximize the longevity of the facelift, the tissue must settle permanently at position B. So, when is the difference between AC and AB large (i.e., when are the facelift results short-lived)?

1. Improper Dissection of Retaining Ligaments If the tissue is forcibly pulled without adequate dissection of the retaining ligaments, the tissue quickly attempts to redescend, placing immense tension on the suture site, leading to Cheese-Wiring. Conversely, excessive pulling can also place too much tension on the suture site, leading to Cheese-Wiring.

2. Sagging despite Proper Dissection and Moderate Pulling (Unstable Suturing) If the suture site is not robust, the fixation can easily loosen.

3. External Factors: Not Wearing a Compression Band, Gravity, Strong Facial Expressions Until surface adhesion occurs, it is crucial to wear a compression garment (face band) to externally support the lift against factors like gravity. Additionally, actions like opening the mouth wide or grimacing place significant tension on the suture site, so strong facial expressions must be avoided for up to 2 months.

In summary, rapid sagging after a facelift is caused by:

1. Technical Issues
2. Management Issues (during the first 2 months)

#FaceliftReview #FaceliftPrinciple #FaceliftEffect

Know-How to Extend the Duration of Results

Since we've identified the problems that lead to short facelift results, the methods for maximizing the effect can be derived by thinking in reverse.

1. Thorough Dissection of Retaining Ligaments We have emphasized complete dissection of the retaining ligaments repeatedly in previous posts.

2. Stable Suturing for SMAS Fixation A robust suture—neither excessive nor insufficient—is essential.

3. Wear Compression Band, Minimize Gravity, Avoid Strong Expressions Thorough care for up to 2 months post-surgery can extend the maintenance period of your facelift.

Facelift Reviews After 1 Year or More

Many clinics showcase early facelift reviews from 1 to 2 months post-op, but the truly important result is the progress seen after one year or more. The difference in skill between a good and a poor clinic is not determined in 1-2 months, but rather by the lasting effect of the facelift after 6 months or 1 year.

60-year-old female patient, 14-month review

70-year-old female patient, 14-month review

50-year-old female patient, 15-month review

60-year-old female patient, 15-month review

We have now learned tips for extending the facelift duration and examined long-term results of over 1 year. I hope this article is helpful to those considering a facelift or to those who are dissatisfied because their facelift results quickly faded.

Since facelift surgery is a significant procedure, I sincerely hope everyone can maintain their youth for a long time.

This has been head doctor Kim Yong-woo of Returning Plastic Surgery. Thank you.