Relapse refers to the loss of the surgical benefits and the return of aging signs that were initially addressed through surgery.

Aging and gravity are inevitable, and no surgery can stop these forces forever. However, when the surgical result fades before its expected lifespan, it’s called early relapse.

The longevity of surgical results mainly depends on the technique used. Factors like gravity, continuous muscle contractions, and external forces continue to affect the face after the procedure.

Think of how water slowly erodes a rock—this gentle, constant force eventually creates a hole. Similarly, tiny yet persistent forces can break the surgical result.

Surgical techniques that ignore these ongoing forces are more likely to fail. Facelifts, midfacelifts, and browlifts can all fail without a strong and lasting fixation.

Early relapse is a consistency issue. For example, when a surgeon performs the same technique on 100 patients, 90 may have great results, but 10 could experience early relapse, often before the one-year mark.

My main focus has been to understand and prevent these failures: What are the risk factors? Who tends to fail early? Which techniques offer better long-term stability?

We conducted a scientific study reviewing scientific papers on facelift surgery, specifically looking at relapse:

Kucukguven A, Galandarova A, Bitik O. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Early Relapse After Facelift. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2023 Feb;47(1):144-155. doi: 10.1007/s00266-022-02894-8. Epub 2022 May 9.PMID: 35534779 Review.

Almost all techniques are linked to relapse to some degree, but interestingly, many studies don’t even report relapse rates. It’s often considered a natural outcome and not included among complications.

Even advanced techniques like extended deep plane dissections have a relapse rate of 7-9%. Some mini lifts have up to a 50% relapse rate, according to certain studies.

So, when you see a great result shortly after surgery, be cautious. Non-standardized measures, like makeup or altered photos, might make the outcome look too good to be true.

A "scarless lift" that looks perfect right away? A mini lift that allows patients to go shopping just days after surgery?

You should evaluate the results 2 years later to confirm if the immediate outcome holds up long-term.

Would you still consider a minimally invasive procedure if it’s likely to fail within a year?

I wouldnt.

I have spent the last 15 years refining surgical techniques to improve the longevity of results. My academic work focuses on reducing relapse and increasing the longevity of facial rejuvenation procedures.

• Bitik O. Intraorbital Fixation Midface Lift. Aesthet Surg J. 2023 Feb 21;43(3):269-286. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac289.PMID: 36342769
• Bitik O. Sub-SMAS Reconstruction of Retaining Ligaments. Aesthet Surg J. 2022 Oct 13;42(11):1207-1217. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjac117.PMID: 35512707
• Bitik O. Vertıcal Internal Brow Suspensıon: A Technıque to Avoıd Lateral Relapse After Endoscopıc Brow Lıft. Aesthet Surg J. 2024 Oct 8:sjae208. doi:10.1093/asj/sjae208. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39378135.

All these techniques are designed to enhance long-term outcomes and minimize early relapse.

For more detailed insights into these methods, feel free to visit my blog or follow me on Instagram.

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions or for further information.