What can cause the lines all down the side of my face when I smile? And what can be done to improve it? (photos)

Question

I had a lower facelift in February which really helped the area directly under my chin. I am disappointed as I was told it would address the mid-face too, but it didn't. Do I look like I need another facelift? Mid-face or cheek lift? If so how soon after my liwer fsce lift can I get one? Do I just need more volume and maybe some botox? I feel like there is still too much fat in my lower cheeks. Do I need buccal fat removal? Liposuction? I'm looking fir suggestions on how to address this.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Having changes in the contour of the skin is a normal part of facial expression. I see no indication for treatment based on the one photograph provided.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear CaellynThank you for your question and photo!  It is difficult to tell exactly what is happening with the one photo. You are still healing from your surgery.  Please review your results with your surgeon- as they would be best to guide you in what can be done.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

From your photo and the description you provided it sounds like the lines that are bothering you are dynamic in nature.  These lines are not responsive to surgery as they are caused by skin wrinkling over contracting muscle.  They may be improved is some cases by volume addition of improving skin tone and quality with products or skin resurfacing procedures.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It would be helpful to see pictures of you when you are not smiling to give you the best advice as to possible treatment of the lines you see on the side of your face after your lower facelift.  From the picture that you did provide, your neck appears good after your procedure.  Wrinkles that form with facial movement would not respond to surgery.  If there are some lines while your face is at rest, it is possible that procedures that target the surface of the skin could help.  These would be treatments such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels or Fractora RF.  Other recommendations cannot be made without further evaluation of your face.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Based on the photo you provided, it doesn't look to me as if you need any additional work. Expression lines are always going to be present. If you try to remove them all, you will look like a mask. Kindly,Kouros Azar

What can cause the lines all down the side of my face when I smile? And what can be done to improve it? (photos)

Answers (7)