After a Facelift, Can Fat Gradually Disappear from the Path of Lift?

Old wisdom was:  When in doubt, cut it out.  New wisdom is:  Fuller cheeks are what we seek.  We preserve facial volume, at all costs when lifting faces.  We even bring some fat from outside of he area, from the abdomen for instance, when we lift faces.  Facelift technique should preserve volume because if it doesn't, the cheeks can become hollow for a ghostly look.  This can become apparent even one or two years down the line.  Fat transfer is the most likely option.

It is very difficult to answer your question without seeing your pictures – but based on your description you may benefit from fat grafting

It is hard to answer your question without photos, but often times patients do have fat loss after a facelift and can benefit from using Sculptra Aesthetic.  Make sure you go to an experienced Sculptra injector.
 

There is always some loss of subcutaneous fat when flaps are disected such as in a facelift procedure. There are a myriad of reasons why you may be having the problem, from technique to weight loss to general aging. The solution may also be somewhat complicated based on the underlying cause. To speculate here is not helpful so I would suggest you get a second opinion from a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who will be able to determine the best resolution to your problem.

I have no idea what this is. I have personally never seen this in any of my patients and would therefore need to examine you to determine what the cause is and what the best remedy would be. It seems a bit strange. One option to consider that would correct it is fat grafting into the area that is hollow.

Andrew C. Campbell, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
 

I don't have a specific explanation for this but could only guess that this could be resolution of swelling and/or atrophy of fat.

There are many reasons why you may have developed this hollowness. Fat may have been removed as part of your surgeons facelift technique or post-surgical volume redistribution may be responsible. Some doctors perform even some liposuction within the lower cheeks.

At the end, the particular reasons may be secondary and more of historical interest. Options include injectable dermal fillers or facial fat grafting for sculptural improvement.

See an experienced facial cosmetic surgeon for advice.

we have always noted that fuller faces tend to do better after facelifting because the fat hides may irregularities that occur as a result of or despite a good facelift. 15 years ago this would have been a bigger problem but using fillers, or your own fat, there is surely improvement to be had and the result salvaged.

also, not to freak you out but some conditions can cause streaks of atrophy, Rombergs. scleroderma, for example. I don't think this is the case but you should not go it alone. see your surgeon and regular doctor regularly. good luck

It is difficult from your description to assess what is occuring. Photos would be helpful, however, I would discuss the issue with your surgeon and see what options are offered. Some patients may develop fat loss as a result of the aging process or due to the procedure. Some small intervention may be successful in correcting the problem.

Patterns of a facelift vary among patients.  Most commonly, facial fat diminishes with age, with or without a facelift.  Facelifts do not increase the rate of fat loss.

 

Dr. G