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

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.

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

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.

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.  

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

Thanks for sharing your question. I can appreciate your concern.



An important component to determine what to do is based on the animation pattern of your wrinkles. If the wrinkles are present when you smile, and not in resting position, it is unlikely that more surgery may help the process. sometimes volume may help with the problem.







Finally, make sure that your doctor is aware of your process. He should be able to guide you best in your care.



Wishing you the best in your journey

Lower facelift surgery rejuvenates the bottom third of the face by tightening the face’s underlying structures that slacken with age, forming jowls and a fleshy neck. It would not address your mid face . It is difficult to express an opinion based on one photo.