Facelift Fatigue: Why Some Patients Regret Their Facelift (And How to Avoid It)

Facelifts are an excellent choice for people looking to rejuvenate their complexion and smooth out some years. Unfortunately, there are rare cases where a facelift doesn’t end in happy tears and a glowing selfie. If you've been researching the aesthetic procedure, you may have noticed that a small number of people end up disappointed, sharing their “facelift regret” stories. If you're considering going under the knife, let's talk about how you can avoid those regrets and end up with a look you love. At the Plastic Surgery Institute, we break down some common reasons people aren't thrilled with their facelifts and give you tips on how to get those natural, lasting results you're after.

Common Facelift Regrets

Like any other aesthetic surgery, not every facelift is guaranteed to have the perfect "wow" factor. Here are a few of the most common complaints that some people have:

• The Overdone Look: It’s safe to assume that no one gets a facelift wanting to look like they've been pulled a little too tight. The "too tight" look is one of the most common facelift regrets. Some people feel like their face looks unnaturally stretched, almost like it's been pulled—not the fresh, youthful vibe they were going for.
• Uneven Results: The last thing you want after a facelift is for one side of your face to look different from the other. Whether it's a lopsided chin or uneven cheeks, asymmetry can leave you feeling less than satisfied with your results.
• Nerve Issues: It's rare, but some people experience nerve damage after their surgery, which can lead to numbness or a lack of movement in certain areas of the face. That's definitely one of those facelift recovery regrets you want to avoid.
• Tight Skin That Feels…Weird: Some people complain that their skin feels stiff or tight after surgery. It can even look like the skin is too stretched out, which isn't exactly the soft, smooth look you're hoping for.
• The "Older" Look: Believe it or not, some people feel they look older after a facelift than before. This can happen if the procedure doesn't address the deeper structures of the face or if the technique used isn't the right fit for the person.

How to Avoid Facelift Regret: The Three Keys to Success

Now that we know what factors of a facelift people typically regret, how can you ensure that you don’t regret your facelift? We recommend being careful about four things: your surgeon selection, their technique, the type of procedure you want, and aftercare.

1. Pick the Right Surgeon

Your surgeon is the MVP of your facelift journey. If you want to find the right one for you, start by making sure your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery. This guarantees they’ve been trained and have a solid track record with facelifts. To be extra careful, ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients. You want to make sure they have a knack for achieving a natural, refreshed look—not that stretched, overdone appearance. Finally, make sure you read the surgeon’s reviews. The more reviews, the better. Read what other patients have to say, especially those who share their own facelift regret stories. Learn from their experiences!

2. The Right Technique Makes All the Difference

When it comes to facelifts, technique matters. The right procedure and approach can make or break your results. There are several different facelift techniques, including the traditional facelift, mini facelift, and SMAS facelift. Your surgeon will help you determine which is best for your needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, so make sure you get personalized advice. A good surgeon also knows how to hide incisions in natural creases and folds so you don’t end up with visible scars. The goal is to make the incision lines blend into the skin so that no one can tell you had surgery.

3. Go for a Natural-Looking Facelift

The goal of a facelift should be to look refreshed—not like a completely different person. A natural-looking facelift vs. overdone results? It’s all about subtlety - a little goes a long way. A skilled surgeon knows how to lift and tighten just enough to make a difference without going too far. Ultimately, if a full facelift feels like too much, other options like dermal fillers and threads can work wonders without the need for a big surgery. These treatments can help smooth out

4. Aftercare Is Key

Good aftercare is essential for the best results. Taking care of yourself after surgery helps you heal properly and avoid regrets. Your surgeon will give you a list of things to do and avoid during recovery. Be sure to follow those instructions carefully to ensure your facelift heals beautifully. Give yourself time to heal - returning to your regular routine is tempting, but you’ll want to take it slow so your face can fully recover. After all, good things take time. Lastly, protect your skin from the sun while it’s healing. Exposure to UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable. Sunscreen and hats will be your best friends in the healing process.

Make Informed, Personalized Decisions

A facelift can be a game-changer when it comes to restoring a youthful, refreshed look. Most people are thrilled with their results—especially when they take the time to choose the right surgeon and approach the process with realistic expectations. Regrets do happen, but they’re far from the norm, and in most cases, they can be avoided with proper planning.

Instead of worrying about what-ifs, focus on making informed choices that will leave you feeling confident and happy with your transformation. You can set yourself up for long-lasting, beautiful results by following our tips for choosing the right plastic surgeon, procedure, techniques, and aftercare. With the right approach, your facelift can be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made!