I have a crease on the left side of my face after surgery. Is this common? (Photo)

Question

10 weeks post op and from day one this crease has been on the left side of my face, running from sideburn down to left corner of mouth. It is less exaggerated now than in week one, but it is still there. Is this common? Does this eventually go away? (photo attached)

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still very early in your recovery and you can expect this line to become more subtle and resolve with some time. Make sure the you continue to follow up with your surgeon. The recovery will depend in part:on what type of #facelift, #necklift, you are having. additional procedurestype of anaesthesiaagetendency toward bruising

James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Aitch,The question you ask is a very good one. The line represents the boundary of tissue that was treated or the superior boarder of the SMAS which was suspended. While this is not a common finding, it is one that does improve, if not completely resolve, with time. It is important to review your concerns with your surgeon as I am certain they would want to make certain that you are happy with your end results.Be healthy and be well,James M. Ridgway, MD, FACS
Bellevue & Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Stephen H. Fink, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Surface irregularities may occur after facelift surgeries and most  improve with time. The linear type in this area usually is a visible transition zone of skin elevation and rotation. With time the tissues soften and appear more natural. While it is still improving, warm (not hot) compresses and gentle massage can help if ok with your surgeon. In some cases it may continue to improve over several months.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Lines like these can occur from traction of underling tissues on the overlying skin.  If ok with your surgeon you can try some gentle massage daily to see if it softens.

Lu-Jean Feng, MD · Answer

There are two reasons for the crease in your face. Most facelifts have a stronger pull on the lower face than in the mid face area over the cheeks. The crease is in the transition zone between a strong lift and a weaker upper lift. You also have a thin face. Sometimes in thin faces with hollow cheeks and strong cheek bone prominence, this difference is accentuated after a facelift. Your crease, however, will improve somewhat over time as the pull relaxes. If the crease persists, fillers can soften or even camouflage it.

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Hello.  While I know it's concerning to see irregularities like you show, you must also remember 10 weeks is still quite early in the healing phase.  It's common to find bruising, swelling and irregularities in the first 1-3 months.  Be patient but it's also important you keep close follow up with your surgeon so that he/she can follow your healing and make sure nothing else is going on.  Take care.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

It is common to have skin creases, small contour irregularities for many weeks after a facelift and may be more common after such procedures like a thread lift.  These usually slowly resolve as the tissues heal and mature but may not if it is a thread under your skin.  Your doctor knows what best was done during your surgery.  Be sure to address these issue with your surgeon.  Good luck.

Michael A. Bogdan, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Dear Aitch,

Those
types of skin lines are typically technique dependent.  Most commonly, the
surgeon placed a stitch at the root of your ear as the first vector of the lift,
and there is a discrepancy of tension across the remainder of the scar in front
of the ear.  A second reason can be that the dissection under the skin
stopped right along that line, and the line is visible due to edema (swelling)
in the skin that had been lifted.  There are technical ways to avoid these issues,
but the good news is that they will all improve with time as the skin relaxes.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have irregularities such as this. Usually this softens and improves without any surgical intervention. Massage and time will help. Non surgical devices can be used. The crucial question is whether the skin was elevated completely or not during the original surgery. If the skin was elevated and stitching techniques performed under direct vision then I would be confident that this will resolve - if minimal undermining was used and threads/barbs/sutures were used without skin elevation then this may not settle. Best to consult with your PS who will know what undermining has been done and take his/her advice. If you have still have concerns I would get a second opinion from a face to face consultation.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

do occur and you should let your surgeon know of your concerns and see if your surgeon has any non-invasive maneuvers that you can employ while healing.  They often do resolve and your surgeon should have a good idea of why it happened and be able to help you get this resolved.  Your surgeon should share your motivations for the best outcome possible.

I have a crease on the left side of my face after surgery. Is this common? (Photo)

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