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patient satisfaction after a facelift (rhytidectomy)
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patient satisfaction after a facelift (rhytidectomy)
Although it is true that most patients (about 90%) are satisfied with their facelift the results are different from some other operations like breast augmentation or rhinoplasty. There are several reasons for this. Breast augmentation patients tend to be younger, healthier and less likely to be going through the emotional stress of mid-life. More
significant however is the relatively temporary nature of a facelift when compared with the long lasting effects of rhinoplasty or breast augmentation
Most patients who are unhappy with the results fall into one of three groups. The first group of patients are unhappy in the first few weeks after surgery. These are often the patients who are most worried about getting a good result and are disappointed when after a week or two they realize the limitations of surgery. A short period of depression is not uncommon.
The second group expressed their dissatisfaction a few months after surgery when they discover that the operation will not make a major change in their life. Depression may also occur in this group but is often tinged with anger, which is sometimes directed at the surgeon. Most facelift patients perform a difficult balancing act of wanting people to notice the change but not wanting them to know they have had surgery.
For a small third group of patients the disappointment may come a year or so after surgery when they realize that the operation does not freeze time and that they will continue to age. Many facelift patients have a second facelift a few years later but for some the aging process is more pronounced and a second operation is needed within a year or two.
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