Why Good Face Lifts Seem so Elusive

Face lifts may seem like a thing of the past. There has been so much press related to bad celebrity surgeries that leave once beautiful people looking stretched taut and shiny like a strange leather-faced alien. The reality is that face lift technology and techniques have greatly improved over the years, which mean most people can’t determine when a good one has been performed. Bad cosmetic procedures will always stand out more because they’re just that—bad. It’s easy to point out a surgical disaster as the signs are painfully obvious, even to those who have no prior knowledge of the surgery.


The most common trait of a poor face lift is skin that has been overly stretched or tightened. The overdone face lift is characterized by eyes or brows that have migrated to unnatural heights and are devoid of natural movement or all facial lines. While the purpose of a face lift is to help reduce the amount of wrinkle and give a more youthful appearance, removing too much sag and natural expression lines results in a waxy, unnatural and unappealing look. A skilled surgeon knows not to attempt to shave too many years off by removing all traces of age.

Although it may sound odd, disfigured earlobes are the mark of a poorly executed facelift. Many surgeons make incisions around the ear and near the earlobe. While it is impossible to predict how the incision site will heal, a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon will do their best to camouflage any potential marks. A poor surgeon may suture the incisions haphazardly or in a bad position, making the lobes appear strange. Fortunately, even if you are pleased with the rest of the surgical outcome you can either have another procedure to help fix any earlobe abnormalities or simply camouflage them yourself through clever hairstyles or jewelry.

As with the earlobes, the hairline is another area that can reveal a poorly performed face lift. Incisions are created usually just behind it so that the hair will naturally cover any scarring. However, sometimes hair will fall out, leaving bald spots along the hairline. It is also possible that poor incisions and stretching of the skin can move the hairline too high altering the way a person appears. A higher hairline can make a woman appear more masculine or a man appearing to have receding hair. Some surgeons can reverse this appearance by an addition procedure to lower the hairline.

While good face lifts may seem few and far between, there are actually many people out there who are very satisfied with their youthful, natural, and refreshed new appearance. You’ll just probably never know who they are as there are few telling signs to find without use of a magnifying glass. The best surgeons know that the mark of quality and skill is a procedure that turns back the clock without attempting to stop it completely and unnaturally. If you’re interested in the procedure, consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for more information.