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SMAS Facelift to Improve Jowls?

asked 2 years ago by oakley54 in dallas
Latest answer by Jacob Freiman, MD
Question viewed 2,101 times
Tags: face, jowls, neck, female, lift, loose, skin

I had a lower lift done recently. I still have the jowl and a loose neck. Doctor says that is all that can be done. It was a SMAS lift. Does the SMAS lift just need to farther in the face? Can every jowl be lifted?

19 answers to SMAS Facelift to Improve Jowls?

+4

Mini SMAS lift?

Since I cannot see your preoperative photographs, it is difficult to make a complete judgment. However, I feel it is safe to say that you had a very "conservative" procedure. In certain circumstances, conservative or mini- is good, in yours it may have been less appropriate. As others have stated, one surgeon's "SMAS" Facelift may be entirely different and less substantial than that of another surgeon. I would venture to guess that your SMAS procedure probably... more
Stephen Prendiville, MD

Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Residual jowls after SMAS facelift

It appears that your jowls and neck were insufficiently treated. The SMAS should be lifted more smooth out the jawline and the neck should be tightened.
Gary D. Breslow, MD

Paramus Plastic Surgeon
+2

Unhappy After Facelift

Facelift techniques are confusing but the results should speak for themselves.  Your photograph demonstrates a full face, persistent jowls plus or minus prominent salivary glands, and an ill-defined jawline and neck.  Most of these problems can be dealt with with some form of SMAS manipulation along with minute amounts of liposuction.  Your skin tone appears to be excellent, and should help you in the end.  It appears that more aggressive techniques need to be... more
Daniel Shapiro, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+2

Face lift

From the picture you still have major jowls, but an exam is needed to rule out a prominent submaxillary gland. You still have los of neck fat also. ALL JOWLS CAN BE LIFTED WITH A SMAS face lift, in the habds of an experienced Board Certified PLASTIC SURGEON. Find another Plastic Surgeon.
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+2

SMAS facelifts

It is difficult to tell from this picture especially without viewing your preoperative pictures but I will assume you went to a qualified surgeon. There are many other things that could explain your findings and difficulty in obtaining an optimal result. A prominent submandiblular gland could partially be responsible. Sub-platysmal fat is another possible explanation for the poorly defined neck angle. I would consider a chin implant as this can enhance the projection of the jawline.... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Jowls can be fixed with a SMAS lift

Thank you for the photo. The answer is yes, the jowls can be treated with an appropriate facelift with manipulation of the SMAS. Make sure you go to a plastic surgeon certified by the AMERICAN BOARD OF PLASTIC SURGERY as they are trained in all facelift techniques and have performed them (as opposed to other doctors calling themselves "cosmetic surgeons" who have done a weekend course).
Jacob Freiman, MD

Miami Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift to improve jowling and neck fullness

You do appear to have quite a bit of residual fullness in your jowl area. This could be due to inadequate tightening during the facelift or may be from excess fatty deposits that could be improved with liposuction. As some of the others have mentioned, you may also have persistent fullness in the neck from your submandibular glands. An examination would help determine if this is contributing to your findings at all.
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

"Branded" lifts and minilifts

There has been a big move toward 'mini-lifts' and 'lifestyle this or that' and other named lifts.  For some, this is the answer.  Usually, this works best for someone who does not really need a facelift.  However, the result you have is inadequate.  Need to go back and get those jowls moving.  Or see someone else for a second opinion.
Jay Calvert, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

SMAS lift

The SMAS lift helps the upper cheek area more than anything else, but during this facelift procedure neck and jowl work can also be performed. It looks likt you need more work.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lifting the jowls my require a significant amount of pull

After your swelling has resolved (6-8 months) you may want to consider a revision of your facelift to get a tighter pull of your jowls.  A second facelift will also allow any excess skin to be removed.  Your recovery may be easier as the skin will be easier to lift the second time around.  Good luck!
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

Most patients who have facial aging are best treated with a full SMAS facelift.

You typify the classic patient who enlists for a miniaturized procedure.  Your face has aged synchronously and full, well-executed facelift would have given you a superb result.  From the photo, you skin looks to be in good condition. A lower facelift or necklift deal with the neck only.  The cheeks, jowls, nasolabial region are ignored and stand out more when the neck is adressed by itself. 
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

SMAS Facelift- Not that effective

I have experience in both SMAS facelifts and a newer type facelift (modified version of a deep plane facelift).  I do not find SMAS lifts create a tight enough neck and jawline.  Facelifts require expertise in facial anatomy and a fundamental understanding of what an attractive shape to the face should look like.   see video
Anil R. Shah, MD

Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sometimes jowls are not really jowls

I see a couple of things.  One, I believe that fullness at or below your jaw line represents a prominent salivary gland.  Some plastic surgeons are very aggressive and remove a portion of this gland if it impedes the results.  Secondly, you should have had some treatment of your neck to improve your results. A second opinion is warranted. Dr. ES
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Dallas has excellent Plastic Surgeons experienced in Face lifts

Hello and thanks for your inquiry, Your result indeed is disappointing but it should be possible to improve on it. I see several points where it could be improved. As mentioned by some of the other surgeons NOT ALL FACELIFTS are created equal. It appears you had a form of "Mini Lift" done. Dallas has some excellent, experienced Board certified Plastic Surgeons who should be able to take care of your appearance and improve it dramatically. Ask around for names and if not satisfied... more
Guido P. Gutter MD

Evansville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Suboptimal Facelift Result

I agree, your result is disappointing but it is really hard to tell based on one view AND a total absence of your BEFORE pictures or reading the Operative note what exactly was done. While not wishing to condemn a suboptimal result, there is no point in pretending it is a good one either. The irony is that Dallas has some of the best Plastic surgeons in the world. There is NO one SMAS Facelift - but rather multiple variations on the technique. The neck fullness could be one of several things... more
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

See a plastic surgeon who is a facelift specialist.

 The skill of the surgeon and the type of lift he does is very important to the end result. Your lift of whatever type does not appear to have been adequate for the result you desire. Get another opinion from an experienced facelift surgeon.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

There are many types of SMAS facelifts

Not all facelifts are created equal. The SMAS can be elevated for a short distance for a mini-Facelift, a long distance in an extended SMAS Facelift, with the skin in a deep plane Facelift or just pulled with sutures. The SMAS can also be pulled back, diagonally or upward. These are all considerations when evaluating patients and deciding what procedure is best for them. I suggest you seek out a specialist in face-lifting to get an opinion on what is Best for you.
Steven J. Pearlman, MD

New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Jowls after Lower Face Lift

I can see the incision you had in front of your ear. I agree with Dr. Rand that you probably had some type of mini-lift performed. Maybe a "Lifestyle Lift"? You should expect a lot more improvement from a lower facelift than you are seeing. I would follow Dr. Rands advice and seek consultation with another board certified plastic surgeon.
Robert B. Pollack, MD

La Jolla Plastic Surgeon
+1

You had a lift??

I am not sure what you had or who did your surgery but I'd immediately go to someone else because you got nothing great from the surgery and could have such a better result done properly.  What your's some kind of "mini lift"?  Was your surgeon a real plastic surgeon?  I rather doubt...
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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