3 Months Post-Facelift and Still Have Jowls

While Laser Assisted Liposuction techniques like Smartlipo and SlimLipo can do an excellent job on the neck, one must be VERY CAREFUL trying to correct jowls with these laser techniques. The Marginal Mandibular Nerve which controls the mouth run very superficial near the jowl and can be injured by the laser and or suction cannula. I have seen reported cases of paralysis of the lip following Smartlipo done elsewhere by other surgeons.

Seek a second opinion. Most likely you will need a revision of your Facelift if jowls have recurred soon after a Facelift. Finding a good surgeon is very important especially for revision work. Word of mouth and seeking testimonials of patients is a good start

Web reference: http://drseckel.com/surgical-procedures/face-lift/

 You may just want to get a couple of other opinions before proceeding with any other procedure, treatment or revision face lift.  Since there are no pictures, of your face, it's difficult to judge whether there are jowls, loose skin, excess fat..all of which contribute to and determine the best course of action.  I do believe that it's always in the best interest of the patient to return to their original surgeon as long as they still have faith in their ability to get the job done.

Web reference: http://www.drfpalmer.com

The goal of facelift surgery is to correct jowling. This best done by correction of the underlying lax musculature (SMAS).  Using a SMAS technique helps improve the longevity of the procedure.  If you have had under correction or recurrence 3 months after surgery I would not recommend revisiting this anytime soon.  I would wait a year.  Your postoperative course is not the norm.  I would seek consultation with other board certified plastic surgeons before moving forward.

Dr. ES

If it has been three months since your facelift, then all the changes that are going to occur should be done by now.  If you are still having some jowling, then that may need some tightening of the muscle system (SMAS), or some focused liposuction.  Without seeing you in person, it is hard to give you an accurate idea.  If you trust your surgeon, and have a good rapport with he/she, then they are usually best to perform the revision since they know exactly what went on during surgery.  If not, then find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area and go for a second opinion.  I hope this helps.

Web reference: http://www.pelletieresurgery.com

It is not normal to have jowls three months after a facelift.

There is no role for liposuction in your situation.

You wonder if you should return to the physician who did not perform the operation correctly in the first place. 

Listen to yourself

Hi,

Sounds a bit peculiar to still have jowls after a facelift procedure. You may want to consult with 2 or 3 other surgeons prior to committing to another surgery. I would wait at least 6 months before considering a revision.

Best,

Dr.S,

Web reference: http://www.sluplift.com

Liposuction is not the answer. The jowl fat needs to be repositioned at a higher level. You need that fat to keep the "balloon" inflated, otherwise your skin will sag. See your original surgeon about the proposed surgery and get another second opinion before deciding who should do it.

It is very difficult to answer your question without seeing you in person and examining you.  What you perceive as jowls may not be correctable with additional surgery.

I’m not sure how a second doctor can say that this is “not normal”, for depending on the thickness and elasticity of the skin, there can sometimes be the need for a more aggressive touch up.

Web reference: http://www.fhrps.com

Doing a good facelift usually successfully treats tthe jowls.  Now that being said, some people have early relapse or very prominent jowls that  sometimes require further treatment.

Web reference: http://www.stevenwallachmd.com