Cheek Wrinkles After Lower Face Lift

Question

I had lower face lift, but now have horizontal lines on cheeks instead of vertical wrinkles. What's the best treatment for this now? I am happy with the results on my neck, since the surgeon did away with my ugly jowls. I also like the shape of my face, but the wrinkles have to go. Should I consider filler, laser, or what for this problem? Thank you.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

These horizontal lines that occur after a lower face lift or neck lift are best avoided altogether rather than treated after the fact. This is the primary reason that I rarely address the neck or jawline alone without also lifting the cheeks at the same time. While lasers, peels, or injectables could help this problem, the solution is most likely a revision lift that includes the upper cheek and temple area. This is something that is usually avoided until a minimum of 6-9 months post-op (and preferably even longer) after the initial procedure.
Be sure to discuss any post-operative concerns with your surgeon.
All the best,

Mike Majmundar, MD · Answer

Getting horizontal lines or wrinkles after a facelift or mini facelift is usually because volume loss was not addressed at time of surgery.  If you have excess skin and significant volume loss, then tightening the skin will create a horizontal pull or line.  Adding volume can help with this.  Usually filler or fat or implant is added at time of surgery, but adding filler now can help as well.Another reason for the horizontal lines is thin skin.  If you have thin skin, a facelift doesn't change the quality of the thin skin...it only removes extra skin.  Adding collagen to the skin with a laser treatment or microneedling can help smooth those lines as well.  Usually treatment involves a combination of treatments as most individuals have excess skin, volume loss, and decrease quality of skin as they age.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend a one to one consultation with a plastic surgeon so they perform a visual assessment to guide.  Moreover, from your description a lower facelift will only target the lower face and jowl area, not targeting mid-face.  A lot of my patients dislike the wrinkles on their cheeks so many will opt for Chemical Peel, Laser or Dermal Fillers to reduce.  As suggested, please seek advice on the best option for you to gain the best desired results.All the Best

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending upon how deep the wrinkles are and how far you are post op, it could just need more time or further treatment with laser or full facelift if necessary. It's best to get a complete evaluation from a qualified surgeon.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The aging process involves 3 things ; downward decent from facial laxity, skin surface aging characterized by wrinkles and discoloration, and loss of volume especially in the cheek area.

	Failure to treat all three may make you more aware of what is not treated: in your case the wrinkles. The fact that you only had a facelift, means the other two factor are still cause for your concern. In that case use of fillers or fat transfer will help fill out the skin and may minimize the wrinkles and a skin resurfacing procedure such as a TCA peel or laser will tighten your skin eliminating the finer wrinkles and softening the larger ones. If Horizontal wrinkles still exist afterwards then this may mean that the facelift vector to a large degree was horizontal rather than vertical which is by nature anti-aging.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

You might be a candidate for fillers, which will help add volume and smooth out these wrinkles. However, without a picture it is hard to judge what treatments you will benefit from the most. You can send me a picture or if you are in the Los Angeles area you can come in for a consult in order to give you a full assessment.

	The solution to your problem really depends on the type of wrinkles and how deep they are.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

I would recommend see a doctor that has access to multiple techniques such as laser, fillers, and possibly an Aesthetician. I think with the combination of all these possibilities one can find an answer that would fix what you desire. It is hard to give you an idea on line with no pictures. Best of Luck!

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

Dear Lower Facelift Patient from Illinois,
	According to your description you had a lower facelift and it has given you a great result, correcting your jowls and neck. Remember aging process affects the entire face. At this point your lower face is rejuvenated, yet your mid face is still showing signs of aging. To treat this area, you need fat grafting to fill the area or you may choose to have laser resurfacing to correct the mid face creases. Good luck and good healing

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Deeply etched lines in the face and neck can be redistributed and re-oriented based on the vector of elevation of the original Facelift procedure. Sometimes this is correctable and sometimes not, but will likely require facial resurfacing (fractionated or fully ablative CO2 laser).

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

You perhaps should have had a full facelift.  However, deep wrinkles after a facelift will probably demand laser resurfacing, as unpleasant as that can be.

Cheek Wrinkles After Lower Face Lift

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