Revision Facelift Sydney

Technical Explanation of the Procedure

Revision facelift surgery in Sydney is a specialised form of facial rejuvenation performed after a previous facelift. Patients seek revision for several reasons. Some develop unwanted changes in scar quality, facial contour, or neck definition over time. Others experience complications such as asymmetry, tightness, or an unnatural “pulled” appearance. In addition, some patients simply want refinement or further improvement years after their first facelift.

A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos (FRACS) performs revision facelift surgery in Sydney with meticulous assessment and personalised planning. During consultation, Dr Tim evaluates your previous facelift technique, scar patterns, tissue quality, and current facial ageing changes. He then discusses revision options, risks, recovery and realistic outcomes as part of informed consent. Importantly, outcomes vary between individuals.

What Is a Revision Facelift?

A revision facelift (also called a secondary facelift) refers to facelift surgery performed after a prior facelift or neck lift. Revision procedures differ from primary facelifts because they involve:

  • pre-existing scar tissue

  • altered anatomy and tissue planes

  • variable blood supply to the skin

  • previous changes to the SMAS/neck structures

  • greater need for tailored incision planning

For this reason, revision facelift surgery requires advanced judgement and precise surgical technique.

Common Reasons Patients Seek a Revision Facelift

Patients may consider revision facelift surgery if they experience:

  • recurrent jowls or facial sagging

  • persistent or recurrent neck laxity

  • visible or widened facelift scars

  • earlobe distortion (“pixie ear”)

  • hairline distortion

  • facial asymmetry

  • irregular contour or tethering

  • excessive tightness

  • an overpulled or “windswept” look

  • dissatisfaction with a previous facelift result

In some cases, patients also seek revision because their goals have changed. For example, they may want a more defined jawline or a more defined neck contour.

Revision Facelift vs Mini Facelift

Some patients ask whether they need revision surgery or a smaller procedure. Although a mini facelift may help mild laxity, revision facelifts often require deeper structural correction.

A revision facelift may be more appropriate when:

  • the SMAS needs repositioning or repair

  • the neck requires deeper contouring

  • scars require revision or repositioning

  • the previous result caused distortion that must be corrected

For this reason, Dr Tim confirms the safest and most effective approach during consultation.

What Problems Can Revision Facelift Surgery Correct?

Revision facelift surgery may address:

1) Scar-related issues

Including:

  • widened scars

  • raised or pigmented scars

  • visible scars due to incision placement

  • hairline-related scar concerns

2) Distortion problems

Such as:

  • “pixie ear” deformity

  • traction on the tragus or earlobe

  • unnatural skin tension

  • pulled appearance

3) Contour and ageing issues

Including:

  • jowling

  • recurrent neck laxity

  • submental fullness

  • midface descent (selected patients)

How Revision Facelift Surgery Is Performed

Revision facelift techniques vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and prior surgery. Therefore, surgery is always personalised.

Key surgical considerations include:

  • careful review of prior scars and incision placement

  • selection of the safest tissue plane for dissection

  • correction of distorted anatomy

  • refinement of SMAS support (when appropriate)

  • neck contouring if laxity persists

  • tension management to prevent overpulling

  • meticulous closure to optimise scar quality

Importantly, revision facelift surgery focuses on structural correction, not aggressive skin tightening.

Incisions and Scar Planning in Revision Facelift Surgery

Revision facelift incisions often use existing scars when possible. However, Dr Tim may modify incision placement to improve:

  • concealment in natural creases

  • scar symmetry

  • hairline preservation

  • ear contour and tragal shape

Because each facelift leaves a different scar pattern, incision planning is a key factor in revision success.

Can Revision Facelift Be Combined With Other Procedures?

Yes — revision facelift surgery is often combined with complementary procedures when appropriate. For example:

Combination planning depends on tissue quality, surgical safety, and recovery priorities.

Revision Facelift Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery varies depending on surgical complexity. However, many patients experience:

  • swelling and tightness early in recovery

  • bruising in the neck and jawline area

  • temporary numbness around incision lines

  • gradual scar softening over months

  • staged improvement in contour over 3–6 months

Dr. Tim provides personalised aftercare guidance and follow-up plans.

Risks and Limitations of Revision Facelift Surgery

All surgery carries risk. Revision facelift surgery may involve increased complexity due to scar tissue and altered anatomy.

Potential risks may include:

  • delayed wound healing

  • bleeding or infection

  • visible scarring

  • asymmetry

  • contour irregularity

  • skin compromise (rare, but more relevant in revision surgery)

  • nerve-related symptoms (rare)

  • persistent tightness or need for further refinement

For this reason, Dr Tim carefully discusses individual risk factors during consultation.

Suitability for Revision Facelift Surgery in Sydney

Patients may be suitable for revision facelift surgery if they:

  • have concerns relating to a prior facelift result

  • have stable general health

  • have realistic expectations

  • accept that scars are part of surgery

  • do not smoke (or can cease prior to surgery)

Suitability for revision facelift surgery in Sydney is confirmed during consultation.

Disclaimer:
All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. The information provided here is general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for an in-person consultation with a qualified specialist. Individual outcomes vary based on anatomy, healing, and adherence to post-operative care. A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and realistic expectations during your consultation.

Safety, training and professional standards

A/Prof Tim Papadopoulos is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) and is registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). He is also a member and Past President of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Patients can also consult the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) for information on surgical training and standards.

A/Prof. Tim Papadopoulos
Specialist Plastic Surgeon MED0001160037
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About Dr Tim Papadopoulos

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr Tim is a certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon, past president of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Tim is also an International member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr Tim is a member and Board Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and an international active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

He has undertaken 8-12 years of specialist training beyond his basic medical degree to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) which is the only institution accredited to train surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. He is the current Head of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Westmead Private Hospital.

As a Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Tim focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.

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About Dr Tim Papadopoulos

SPECIALIST PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr Tim is a certified cosmetic and plastic surgeon, past president of the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Tim is also an International member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr Tim is a member and Board Director of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and an international active member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

He has undertaken 8-12 years of specialist training beyond his basic medical degree to become a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) which is the only institution accredited to train surgeons in Australia and New Zealand. He is the current Head of the Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Westmead Private Hospital.

As a Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Tim focuses on cosmetic surgery of the face, breast and body.

learn more
Dr Tim Sydney Plastic Surgeon
australian society of aesthetic plastic surgeons
australian society plastic surgeons
fracs royal australasian college of surgeons

Why Choose Dr Tim?

A Reputation For Safety
Dr. Tim is a highly experienced specialist plastic surgeon known for his commitment to patient safety, advanced surgical techniques, and meticulous care. He prioritizes evidence-based procedures to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Precision
With an exceptional eye for detail and surgical expertise, Dr. Tim ensures every procedure—whether facelift, body contouring, or breast augmentation—is performed with precision, artistry, and the latest medical advancements.
Your Wellbeing & Comfort
Dr. Tim takes a patient-centered approach, guiding you from consultation to post-operative care. He provides personalised surgical plans to help you make informed decisions, ensuring your safety, comfort, and satisfaction throughout your cosmetic surgery journey.
Professional Integrity
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr. Tim is dedicated to excellence in aesthetic surgery. His contributions to medical education, training future surgeons, and speaking at global conferences reinforce his reputation as a leader in the field of cosmetic surgery.
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