A bad facelift usually shows up in a few predictable places: stretched earlobes, mouth corners pulled sideways, or skin that looks flat. These issues happen when incisions carry too much tension or a technique tightens only the surface layer of skin and leaves the muscle underneath untouched.
At Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, facial rejuvenation is designed to avoid these outcomes. Michael T. Rossi, MD, is known for natural-appearing results in face, breast, and body procedures, with a concierge-style approach built around each patient's anatomy and goals. Read on to see the warning signs of an overdone facelift, and what a well-planned one looks like instead.
When Skin Looks Pulled Instead of Lifted
One of the clearest signs of a poorly executed facelift is tension pulling in the wrong direction. When the pull is too far to the side, the corners of the mouth can stretch outward and the cheeks can flatten into a wind-blown look instead of a soft, natural curve. This typically happens when skin alone carries the lift, without engaging the deeper muscle. A deep plane facelift works differently: it repositions the underlying facial tissue itself, producing a more natural result without the overstretched look of older techniques.
Signs Around the Ears and Hairline
Because facelift incisions run in and around the ear, this area often reveals whether a procedure was done with precision. Before a consultation, look for these signs in before-and-after photos:
- An earlobe that looks tethered to the cheek or pulled downward, sometimes called a "pixie ear"
- Scars that are wide or clearly visible in front of or behind the ear
- A hairline near the temple that sits unnaturally high or shows a visible step where the incision closed
A well-placed incision usually starts inside the sideburn, continues just inside the ear's natural cartilage, and ends in the crease behind the earlobe, so scarring stays hidden even when hair is worn up.
Neck and Jawline Irregularities
The neck is another place where technique shows. Removing too much fat or leaving the muscle layer loose can leave the neck looking hollow or uneven. A well-performed facelift tightens that muscle layer, often stitching the vertical neck bands back together with a corset-style technique, so the jawline and neck look refined and smooth.
What a Well-Executed Facelift Should Look Like
A natural facelift results in a face that looks rested and refreshed. At Changes, the surgical approach repositions facial and neck tissue back to its original support structure. Fat grafting is often added to restore volume in the temples, cheeks, and lower lids, which helps avoid the hollow, over-tightened look that comes from working on skin alone. Incisions are planned to blend into the ear's natural shape, so results hold up under close inspection.
Choosing a Surgeon Who Prioritizes Natural Results
Preventing a bad result starts with who performs the surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member, since certification requires years of dedicated surgical training and passing comprehensive exams. Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa operates a state-licensed, Medicare-certified surgical facility, and Dr. Rossi's training includes a plastic surgery residency at the University of Texas along with additional experience at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Memorial Hermann Medical Center.
Trust Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa for a Facelift That Looks Like You
Most bad facelift results come down to one thing: the wrong layer of tissue carried the lift. Dr. Rossi and the team at Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa in San Diego build every facelift around natural repositioning and incisions designed to stay hidden. To find out whether a traditional facelift, deep plane facelift, or another approach fits your goals, schedule a consultation with Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa today.
