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Is TMJ a Contraindication for SMAS Facelift?

asked 1 year ago by 6041anon
Latest answer by Jeffrey Roth, MD
Question viewed 787 times
Tags: TMJ

I would like a face lift, mainly for jowls but I also to correct other problems. I have an old fracture to the zygomatic arch on one side resulting in some inflammation/small indentation. I have been evaluated for this by an oral surgeon recently who said it would be a major surgery now and inadvisable. Good functioning. I also have TMJ w/some occ. swelling and problems with the position of the discs, fairly well controlled through exercises I learned in physical therapy. Is this contraindicat?

17 answers to Is TMJ a Contraindication for SMAS Facelift?

+1

TMJ is not a Contraindication for a SMAS facelift

It sounds like you have a few issues. I am happy that you have reasonable control of your TMJ symptoms. The facelift should not effect that. I would wait a little while before resuming aggresssive PT for your TMJ. The contour irregularity can also be evaluated by your surgeon and see what he/she may suggest.
Jeffrey Roth, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ disorder not a contra-indication to facelift surgery

Facelift surgery involves the tissues more superficial than the jaw joint so your TMJ disorder isn't a contra-indication to surgery. Facelift surgery wouldn't be expected to improve the cheek indentation you mentioned, though you may want to discuss filler options for this area such as fat grafting or injectible filler.
Thomas A Lamperti, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ and a facelift may be possible

As long as your TMJ is stable, you should probably be okay.  However, the TMJ may worsen after the facelift because of the pulling of the skin.
Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ and facelift surgery

Your TMJ is not a contra-indication to facelift surgery with a SMAS technique.  The joint function, alignment or motion should not be altered by the procedure. Best of luck!
Thomas Fiala, MD

Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift should be fine

Hi 6041, Having a facelift should be just fine in your case.  The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is not affected in the least by a facelift.  The only potential problem could be that if you have a general anesthetic, you may have an exacerbation of your joint discomfort due to the intubation.  However, this is EXTREMELY rare and I doubt it would be an issue for you. Good luck!
P. Daniel Ward, MD

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Facelift and TMJ

TMJ problems are not a contraindication to any facial rejuvenation surgery. Given that you have a small indentation of the skin, you may be a better candidate for fat transfer with/without a facelift. I would certainly speak with your surgeon about these options.
D.J. Verret, MD

Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ and SMAS facelift

TMJ is specifically issues with the join that allow the mandible to articulate.  A SMAS facelift is unrelated to that area and should not impact your TMJ.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

SMAS facelift and TMJ

There is no relationship with TMJ and facelift surgery.  No facelift procedure will affect any of the bony jaw issues that you may be experiencing.   Wait a few weeks after your facelift to result your jaw/TMJ exercises.
C. Bob Basu, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

A facelift does not increase TMJ pain or dysfunction

There is no relationship between having a facelift and in any way worsening one's TMJ pain or symptoms. The TMJ lies deep to the level of even a deep plane facelift and does not involve any manipulation of the muscles that are responsible for chewing or opening and closing one's mouth.
Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD

Indianapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ problems are not a contraindication to a facelift.

A deep plane (SMAS) facelift is executed nowhere near the TM joint.  I can't see any reason why it would be a contraindication to a facelift.  I would be curious why your oral surgeon thinks otherwise.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

SMAS Facelift and TMJ dysfunction

Face lifting is frequently performed in individuals with TMJ dysfunction. There should be no long-term change in your symptoms, although in the early recovery period you may notice a change due to swelling and the inability to do your exercises. The contour irregularity that you note from a prior zygomatic fracture can be improved with  a graft made of SMAS or dermal fat harvested from skin excised during the procedure. I have utilized this technique for several of my patients... more
Andrew Lyos, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ and Facelifting

TMJ is not a contraindication for a facelift.  Facelifting lifts the surrounding tissues, but does not lift or effect the muscles that can put pressure on the TM joint.  
Anil R. Shah, MD

Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ not a contraindication for SMAS facelift

It is acceptable to have a facelift regardless of TMJ dysfunction. Your facelift surgeon may try to augment the soft tissue areas over the depressed part of the arch so as to create symmetry with the opposite side. This would involve folding the SMAS over itself in the area of depression to give a natural look and balance with the opposite side, which would help correct asymmetry.
William Portuese, MD

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

SMAS Facelift Surgery in TMJ Patient

SMAS face lift, or other face lift surgery variations, may be performed in patients who have preexisting TMJ or jaw problems. Generally, there should not be a contraindication to facelifts. Unpredictably & inexplicably, some patients may have improved TMJ symptoms after cosmetic face lift surgery. However, facial surgery or the anesthesia itself may potentially worsen TMJ symptoms (pain, clicking, pressure, etc). Physical therapy & jaw exercises may be continued after surgery, once... more
Houtan Chaboki, MD

Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ and Facelift

TMJ dysfunction is not a contraindication for facelift surgery.  The discomfort from one must be separated from the other after surgery meaning that your TMJ symptoms may increase after facelift and require more measures to control that particular discomfort. Dr. ES
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

TMJ and cosmetic plastic surgery (SMAS face lift)

TMJ disorder is not a contraindication to facelift. Issues to consider are that the face lift will not correct bony asymmetry due to your zygomatic arch fracture. Anesthetic technique is important to review prior to surgery. Local anesthesia is not a concern. However, if you are to undergo LMA or endotracheal techniques, you should discuss your TMJ condiiton with the Anesthetist or ANesthesiologist preoperatively.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Face lift

Face lift can be done in patients with TMJ problems. As for the indentation from fracture zygoma, this can be corrected very easily at the time of the face lift. A dermis fat graft or the SMAS can be used to fill in the indentation and comouflage the indent. After surgery you can continue your physical therapy for the TMJ
Samir Shureih, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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