Lack of Mobility In Jaw Area After SMAS Facelift? What To Do?

   The SMAS appears to have been tightened to a great extent around the jowl and chin area.  However, at 21 days the tissues will relax.  The question is how much will they relax.   Give this a few months and reevaluate.  The results have be OK at that time.  Hard to day.  In addition, ask your surgeon if this is a typical early postoperative look.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Sometimes sutures and pulls in certain areas can affect jaw movement for up to six weeks. These symptoms typically resolve over time and your should continue to see increased movement. I would discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Good luck.

I would be concerned with some of the complaints that you have. While tension around the ears after surgery can be common, an inability to move the jaw should not occur. The fact that you are having trouble eating also is not common unfortunately. I would see your surgeon to relay your concerns. Or if you are uncomfortable seeing him/her, it may be good to get a second opinion and if you do, please make sure you see a Board Certified, Facial Plastic or Plastic Surgeon.

It is difficult to assess from your pictures what is actually going on.  The tightening of the SMAS certainly could be responsible for some of your issues especially the feeling of a tight chin strap.  The vector of SMAS elevation is upward and backward in virtually all SMAS operations so tightening of SMAS shouldn't make your mouth stay open when you sleep.  You are still fairly early in the postoperative period I would expect some of this tightness to resolve.  Make sure you follow up with your surgeon and have them address all of your concerns.

You will need an examination and discussion with your surgeon. Your photos show a very odd appearing submental area. Whether this resolves depends on the type of facelift. See your surgeon to decide on a treatment plan.