Is that possible to develop a TMJ on one side of the jaw after an asymmetric facelift?

Question

I had an unsuccessful facelift done 3 years ago in Cincinnati. The Dr M. has agreed to return his fee because the look of jowls didn't improve. Also within a few weeks after the surgery, I saw some asymmetry on my face: the skin was pulled tighter and I can see the line going diagonally from middle of my jaw to the ear. The discomfort and TMJ has developed on the right side within a few months. What if the facelift made your face slightly asymmetric? And this is what had caused TMJ?

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

In my opinion, any TMJ issue should not develop as a result of a facelift, whether it is asymmetric or not.  In a facelift procedure, the skin and tissue just under the skin are manipulated, but this should not affect or cause TMJ problems because the joint is much deeper.

Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello lanerhart, and thank you for your question. First of all, I’m sorry to hear about your ongoing problems. A facelift procedure is highly unlikely to have caused your TMJ because the tempromandibular joint lies deeper than the tissues being treated during a facelift. Plus, there are many other more likely causes of TMJ, such as dental misalignment. Schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who can help determine the cause of your TMJ and your best course of treatment going forward. I hope you can quickly resolve these problems. All my best!
 Dr. Elizabeth
 Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

I am sorry that your facelift results were less than satisfactory, but it is not likely that this had any role in you developing TMJ. The temporomandibular joint is deep under the tissue of the cheek and no facelift technique comes anywhere near the joint. Pulling the tissue tighter on one side will not affect the joint motion.

Is that possible to develop a TMJ on one side of the jaw after an asymmetric facelift?

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Is that possible to develop a TMJ on one side of the jaw after an asymmetric facelift?

Answers (3)

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