3weeks post deep plane facelift. Will chewing/ laughing lax the tightened muscles?

Three weeks after a facelift you should have no restrictions on laughing or chewing. Nevertheless address this question to your own surgeon.

The deep-plane technique is one of a number of facelift techniques that results in a tightening of the SMAS, the layer under the skin. In general, having a facelift shouldn't compromise facial functions, such as chewing or laughing. You may feel tight in the early healing period after surgery, but that resolves into a more natural feeling in a few weeks. With time, the activities you describe will feel normal. Good luck!

By three weeks after a facelift, I allow patients to do most activities. This includes aerobic exercises, heavy lifting and playing sports. Chewing or laughing should not be an issue. Areas of swelling and firmness are normal at this point and will resolve over the next 2-3 months.

In terms of loosening your muscle, I wouldn't worry too much about chewing food - that's really not how it works. Frankly, the muscles are not tightened with a facelift, it's SMAS that is snugged up with a deep plane technique.  Now, about laughing, that is probably not a problem, but I suppose that throwing your head from side to side could actually loosen things up a bit.  Take it easy.Good Luck

Facial exercises, chewing or laughing should not make a difference for you. The swelling will slowly improve with time and may last for 2-3 months.

In general, normal daily activities should not compromise your results.  Until you have completely healed, extreme facial expressions or facial trauma should be avoided.  It is important to communicate your concerns to your surgeon and just be careful at this point.

Dear Katsee, It is still good to keep your chin up and not completely over do it however laughing and chewing will not loosen up a facelift. I understand these concerns more then ever now as I performed a full facelift on my wife a few months back and she continually asked me questions regarding some very routine activities wanting to make sure she did not affect her surgery. While your face and neck may feel slightly tight and you feel like certain activities will "loosen" things up, this is not a concern. My wife was back on the links before I approved so enjoy your new facelift. Eat, drink and be merry just do not overdue it! Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.