Will facelift result continue to improve after 4 months?

Question

I am 4 months post op SMAS facelift and for the most part satisfied with the result. The bands in my neck MAY have resurfaced a bit especially on the right side. I may have not noticed prior due to swelling. Will I have any more surgical improvement, or is 4 months pretty much the final result? Thank you.

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.At 4 months, one has likely a final result: the swelling (edema) has resolved.The bands you are talking about may be 'active' bands: the neck muscles are repaired in a facelift, normally with a small incision under your chin, and pulled (SMAS facelift) but the muscle continues to contract with facial animation: this is normal.Active neck muscle bands can often be relaxed with Botox and Dysport.If however the neck bands are still present at rest, i.e. passive bands, you might need a revision.  If the anterior neck repair was not performed (some surgeons do not do this component routinely), then this could be an option and a relatively simple one-hour procedure, under general anesthesia or IV sedation.I would suggest you visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns.Best regards.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

By now most of the results have shown themselves.  YOur face will continue to age but I wouldn't expect to see any 'improvements' at 4 months.

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

I like to tell my patients that about 85% of the final result occurs by 3 months and the other 15% takes up to a year.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 4 months out, your face should be pretty much healed except for maybe some residual swelling. Best of luck.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Hi Rose, I usually tell patients that it takes about 9-12 months to realize the final result of a facelift procedure. That being said, you should see about 90% of the final cosmetic result. Obviously, this is an estimate and everybody heals at his or her own unique pace. Ultimately, it is still definitely possible to experience incremental improvement over the next several months.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Four month after a facelift, Most if not all the swelling is resolved. Re-appearance of neck bands will not improve further and one needs to decide what is the cause of the bands, muscle or skin laxity?In certain patients and specially in massive weight loss patients or severe neck problems, it is not uncommon to need another surgery.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Recurrence of bands under the neck after facelift will likely not improve after 4 months. See your plastic surgeon to determine if any revision is necessary.

Will facelift result continue to improve after 4 months?

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