Bulges After Face Lift? (photo)

I had a face lift 7 mts ago. I have a huge bulge on my r. cheek near jaw line and smaller one on left cheek in same area. I had fat put in my lips and believe Dr. put fat in my lower cheeks without my permission. He had tried to draw out non existent fluid in those areas twice. Now he wants to redo lift and see what is going on. I believe he knows. Can this be done evenly? I am beginning to questioning his honesty and knowledge. I am afraid I may end up looking worse. What do you think?

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by peg in ga

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (0)

Bulging cheeks could be from buccal fat

It's not very clear from the first two photos but I can see bulging of the cheek area on the third photo with glasses. The right side is fuller than the left. It seems to be above the bony jaw line. It's difficult to diagnose over snap shots. But if I have to guess based on this photo, I say you have pseudo-ptosis of the buccal fat. We normally have a walnut sized lump of fat tucked under the cheek bone on each side called buccal fat. This is deep and not... more

Bulge in Cheek after Facelift

This is almost impossible to determine purely by photos alone. Exam would give additional information as would the operative summary. If you want a revision and want to find another surgeon, look for a plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of facelifts and fat grafting procedures each year. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Trust is essential to a great result and a great experience.

Communication and trust are the key to getting the most out of your plastic surgery experience. Only you know how you feel about what is going on. If you have selected a top notch surgeon and the care was excellent, then you must trust to allow them to treat any problems. I recommend going back and discussing these issues and when in doubt, go and see another local or national expert to get their opinion. It is your face!

Jay Calvert, MD

20 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Face lift post operative scar tissue

Most likely, you have scar tissue and/or sutures that did not dissolve. Ask your doctor to explain to you exactly what he thinks is going on. You should be made aware of his plans if you do decide to do a revision with him. Your comfort with your doctor is very important when doing any procedure. Seeking a second oppinion by someone who can examine you may be a good option, but time is also a huge factor. Rushing into reoperation may cause more harm than good. I usually recommend... more

Bulges After Face Lift?

Thanks for the question and posting the photos. First is your PS a boarded PS? Second I see the fullness in the mandibular ramus, this does have a "Jay Leno" effect. Possibly the fat grafts where placed to low and posterior to the marionette depressions (which are more anterior). If you are not comfortable with the present "surgeon" seek additional opinions. Only reoperation might help. Again Sorry.

Bulges After Face Lift? (photo)

Hard to see what you speak of in your photos. I do feel that because you are not sure about your existing surgeon you should at least ask another surgeon for their opinion. Your surgeon may have done nothing wrong. I have plenty of patients who have bulges and unevenness for an amount of time like you that all eventually smooth out and resolve. Trust is just so huge so if you feel your surgeon is being honest and forthcoming then you may just want to give him/her a chance to try and meet... more

Touchups can work

Trust is the biggest factor, it is unlikely anything 'bad' was done but if you are not confident in your surgeon, then a second opinion can never hurt.

Face Lift Can Be Improved With Touch-Up.

Hi. Well,you have a sense of humor! Regardless of whether your surgeon did anything wrong or not (he well may not have), you are losing confidence, and so you should get one or two other opinions.