This is 14 months posts facelift. To me this looks like lateral sweep. Am I right or wrong? (Photo)

Older type of facelift surgerywill results in a lateral sweep because the skin is turned upward significantlyduring a facelift. This change in orientation of the skin can lead to anunusual and unnatural jowls and neck shape.

Your photos could indicate a lateral sweep, but there are also other explanations including internal scar bands. Your preop photos, review of your operative and post operative note details, as well as an examination are needed before a likely explanation can be expressed. I would recommend returning to your plastic surgeon with your concerns and questions.

By the pictures, You need a facelift revision to correct the look you have. In my opinion what cause this condition was that the skin, fat and muscles in your face were not manages in a harmoniously manner and the face need to be re-done.

The attachment ligaments along the angle of the jaw and cheek bone need to be entirely released for proper draping of the skin and fat after facelift. A revision will be necessary To correctThe problem in the picture.

The photo demonstrates a lateral sweep.  The characteristics are continued drooping of the more central tissues in the area of the labiomental fold or drool line with aggressive upward rotation of the lateral skin of the neck onto the face.  The time frame of showing up about 1 year after surgery is fairly typical and shows the necessity of looking at long term postoperative results when evaluating a surgeon or surgical procedure. The deep plane facelift was developed to help minimize the occurrence of a lateral sweep and a well performed deep plane facelift by an experienced facelift surgeon can improve this significantly.

What you have is excess skin and fat of your neck with jowls. Only a revision will correct this with "redraping" of the skin and reposition of the jowls and skin. 

Facelift surgeries are not all created equal. If the SMAS (muscular aponeurotic layer -- facial fat and muscle layer) is not appropriately mobilized and suspended separate of the skin, too much tension can be placed on the skin. In addition, if the vectors for suspension are abnormal, then lateral sweep can occur. A revision deep plane facelift can correct the abnormal vector and lines.

Thank you for your question and photos. You will require a revision facelift surgery with SMAS flap to address your concerns. I recommend that you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Best of luck!

In the 1970s and 1980s, there were more reports of lateral sweep  happening after facelift surgery, as surgeons have understood the anatomy of this operation better, it has become less and less common to see a lateral sweepafter facelift.   What we see in your pictures, could represent lateral sweep, but it could also be scarring or skin lines from tension distribution.  The best course of action would be to bring this up with the original surgeon to see what they think.  Some of these problems can be fixed with an easy office procedures, but some of them may require going back to the operating room.It is important to discuss your needs, wishes, recovery time constraints, and budget limits with an honest and experienced surgeon, and receive bias-free personal advice. ALWAYS consult a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, to ensure the highest standards of ethical practice and safe surgery.Reza Momeni, MD FACS American Board of Plastic SurgeryAmerican Society of Plastic SurgeonsAmerican Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Only IN PERSON examination allows the surgeon to try and determine the issues involved here. Could be "lateral sweep" but not sure via the internet....