What to Do If You Are Unhappy with Your Plastic Surgery Results: Options for Recovery and Revision
What to Do If You Are Unhappy with Your Plastic Surgery Results: Options for Recovery and Revision
Disappointment after plastic surgery is more common than most expect. Even when the procedure is technically successful, results can fall short of expectations or feel unfamiliar once swelling subsides. Addressing dissatisfaction early and understanding available options can help guide recovery and future decisions.
Give the Healing Process Time
Immediately after surgery, it is difficult to assess the final result. Bruising, swelling and tissue distortion are part of the body’s natural healing process and can last weeks or even months.
- Rhinoplasty results can take up to a year to fully settle
- Breast surgeries may shift as swelling subsides and tissues adjust
- Liposuction can leave temporary irregularities that smooth out with time
Before taking further action, allow your body to heal completely. It’s not unusual to feel unsettled or dissatisfied during this stage, as inflammation and tissue changes can affect how results appear. Early impressions often shift with time as swelling resolves and healing progresses. If concerns persist beyond that period, consult your surgeon to determine whether healing is on track or if there are early signs of a complication.
Identify the Nature of the Issue
Not all concerns require surgical revision. The source of dissatisfaction may be related to:
- Asymmetry or uneven contours
- Unexpected scarring
- Residual swelling
- Sensory changes like numbness or tingling
- Unmet aesthetic expectations
Clear communication with your original surgeon is key. They can help determine if your concern is cosmetic, functional or both, and discuss realistic options for improvement. While it’s natural to hope for a flawless outcome, results are rarely exact replicas of what was imagined. Most procedures aim to enhance, not perfect, your features.
Explore Non-Surgical Correction Options
Not every issue requires going under the knife again. Minimally invasive treatments can refine surgical results or address complications.
1. Dermal Fillers
In procedures like rhinoplasty or liposuction, subtle irregularities may be corrected using hyaluronic acid-based fillers. These can fill in depressions, balance symmetry or soften contours.
Using a topical numbing cream before injection can reduce discomfort, especially in sensitive areas like the nose, under-eyes or around scar tissue. A formula such as Zensa Numbing Cream is designed to work on broken or healing skin and contains 5% lidocaine, the highest concentration available without a prescription.
2. Laser Treatments
Laser resurfacing or pigment correction can improve the appearance of surgical scars, uneven skin tone or redness. These treatments often pair well with prescription topicals or medical-grade skincare.
3. Microneedling
This treatment helps with skin texture, tone and scar visibility. It can stimulate collagen production and improve post-surgical skin quality. Numbing the area beforehand with a lidocaine numbing cream supports comfort and makes the treatment more tolerable.
Consider Revision Surgery
If non-surgical options aren’t enough, revision surgery may be necessary. This is a serious decision and should only be made once the body has fully healed and your surgeon has ruled out other causes of dissatisfaction.
In revision surgery:
- Seek a second opinion from a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in revision work
- Request a comprehensive consultation that addresses aesthetic and functional concerns
- Be realistic about what improvements are achievable
Some revision procedures are more complex than the original surgery due to scar tissue, altered anatomy or healing patterns. Surgeons may also recommend supportive treatments like injectables or laser therapy to enhance results without repeat surgery.
Manage Pain and Sensitivity During Recovery
Physical discomfort is a normal part of post-surgical healing, but it can become a barrier to follow-up treatments if not managed well. Using a topical lidocaine numbing cream helps reduce pain during procedures such as filler injections or scar touch-ups.
Medical professionals use Zensa Numbing Cream for this purpose. Its gentle formula is steroid-free, pH-balanced and suitable for use on broken or healing skin, making it an ideal option during recovery.
Support Healing Between Treatments
If you are pursuing corrective care, maintaining a healthy skin barrier is essential. Follow any aftercare instructions provided by your surgeon and avoid overloading your skin with actives or exfoliants too early.
In addition to gentle cleansing and hydration:
- Avoid sun exposure on healing areas
- Stay consistent with scar care (e.g., silicone sheets or ointments)
- Maintain open communication with your provider
Many healing regimens now integrate non-sensitising topicals that calm inflammation and support tissue regeneration without interfering with active treatments.
Final Thoughts
Unhappiness with surgical results can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t always require drastic correction. A combination of time, professional evaluation and non-invasive treatments may lead to results you feel more confident about. When interventions are needed, topical solutions like a numbing cream can support comfort and improve follow-through with corrective care.
Through subtle fillers or more comprehensive revision, the key is to approach dissatisfaction with patience, precision and the guidance of trusted medical professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Final results from plastic surgery often take months to appear
- Minor concerns may improve with time or non-invasive treatments
- Dermal fillers, lasers or microneedling can refine or correct results
- Lidocaine numbing cream can ease discomfort during follow-up care
- Zensa Numbing Cream is commonly used by professionals on healing or sensitive skin
- Open dialogue with your provider is critical for understanding your options
Revision surgery should only be pursued after full healing and professional consultation