When you get a face and neck lift should the jowls end up in your lower face causing your face to look super fat? 3 months p.o.

Question

had a neck lift and face lift nov 30 and did not have double chin, just jowls and turkey neck, wanting to look refreshed. Also had upper and lower eyes done. My eyes came out looking like 2 different eyes, and my jowls ended up in my lower face causing me to have chipmunk cheeks. What are my options now?

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  I am very sorry to hear about your concerns and dissatisfaction with your facial rejuvenation procedures.  It is really impossible to make any assessment of your concerns without pictures.  Front and side pictures with your head in a neutral position would be helpful.  In general, facelift should not necessarily make your face look more fat, unless there may have been fat injected into the face at the time of the procedure for volume restoration.  There may be some swelling that is still present postoperatively that could make your face appear more full than normal.  If it is due to persistent swelling, then that should improve with time.  It can take up to several months for all of the swelling to resolve following facelift.  Another thing that can make the lower face appear more fat is prominence of the buccal fat pads.  These fat pads sit lateral to the corners of the mouth and can give the appearance of "chipmunk cheeks" in some patients.  The buccal fat pads are not routinely addressed in facelift surgery.  However, they can be addressed through a simple procedure called a buccal fat reduction that involves a small incision inside the mouth through which the prominent buccal fat can be removed, and provide improved shape to the lower face.  I would strongly encourage you to voice your concerns to your primary surgeon and see what they recommend to help improve your satisfaction with the results.  It may simply require some additional time to allow things to heal and swelling to resolve.  I hope this is helpful.  I wish you the best in your recovery.

Trent D. Douglas, MD, FACS · Answer

Redistribution of facial and neck skin is a large part of facial rejuvenation surgery.  Having a detailed discussion with your surgeon regarding your results is the best thing now 3 months out from surgery.  Your swelling has likely resolved by this point.  Although long-term results can take up to 4-6 months to be fully visible, your results at 3 months are a pretty good idea of what things are going to look like.  Have an open discussion with your surgery about your concerns and come up with a plan together.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and I am sorry that your results have not been what you anticipated. Unfortunately after 3 months you have largely reached your long-term results and it sounds as if a revision procedure may be needed.  Typically your jowls are corrected as part of the muscle tightening portion of the procedure and should me smooth, accentuating your appearance and not making your lower face look “fat.”  Talk to your surgeon about your concerns.

Garrett Griffin, MD · Answer

It is best to start by talking to your surgeon about your concerns.  If your surgeon doesn't offer to address your concerns, you should seek out a second opinion from someone experienced in revision cosmetic facial surgery.  By 3 months out from your surgery, facial swelling should be gone so this isn't swelling from the surgery anymore. That said, in my experience it is best to wait a year before performing a revision surgery.  Best of luck.

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Jowls are best addressed by removal of the fat and tightening of the skin.  If you have already undergone a facelift then the skin should be tight.  You may need additional fat removed.  This can be accomplished with microliposuction of the area.  You may still have swelling.   Follow up with your surgeon and consider revision at about 6 months.

When you get a face and neck lift should the jowls end up in your lower face causing your face to look super fat? 3 months p.o.

Answers (8)

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Jowls after facelift

Answer: Jowls after facelift

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When you get a face and neck lift should the jowls end up in your lower face causing your face to look super fat? 3 months p.o.

Answers (8)

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Talk to your surgeon

Answer: Jowls after facelift

Answer: Jowls after facelift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.