Revsion Facelift

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD answers: How long to wait for lower face and neck lift revision surgery?

I am 4 months post op from lower face and neck lift. When I look forward with my head raised my jawline looks perfectly smooth. If I smile, turn or lower my head I have terrible creasing and folds in my left jawline and lower cheek (see photo). My right side looks perfectly fine. My PS thinks this may be scar tissue and wants to undermine this area and under my chin again.

If this is scar tissue, why does this happen? What's to prevent this from reoccuring with a revision? How long should I wait for revision surgery?


Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD
1 month ago

HI,

From the photos it appears that the left neck area was not undermined completely or scar tissue may have developed. To correct this, in my opinion, the undermining should be performed from the post-aurcular (behind the ear) area. This will release the skin and SMAS muscle and allow it to be properly pulled and retrimmed. I dont believe you can correct this from undermining under the chin.

I have performed revision facelifts as early as 4 months post-op with good results. Of course, every case is different and requires closer examination. I agree that if you have a good realationship and trust your surgeon its best to stay with him/her.

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A: Depends on what was done & what needs to be done

Kamran Jafri, MD
1 month ago

 Hi Bunny,

Most of us agree that waiting 6 - 12 months is appropriate before doing any touch-up or revision procedures. The reasons for this time period are two fold:

1. While swelling and bruising on the skin fade quickly, there is still a lot of healing that is going on under the skin. It is best to let this healing happen in order to properly assess and address any areas that can be or need to be improved

2. Much like picking at a scab, lifting skin flaps, removing skin and tightening the SMAS at the wrong time may only make things worse and prolong healing

There are many other factors that need to be considered such as what was initially done and what needs to be done. If it's just a matter of removing some loose skin then it can be done quickly and easily. If something more complicated is involved such as elevating the SMAS then more time should be given to let things "settle in".

It is good to hear you are working with your Surgeon to address your needs, postoperative communication is just as important as preoperative planning.

Take Care,

Dr. Kamran Jafri

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Lower face lift before & after photos

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