Change in face shape after facelift - is this fixable?

Question

I had a lower face and neck lift over 3 months ago. Before the procedure I had a lot of fat on my cheek bones and my face was heart shaped. After the procedure, it seems that half the fat is missing from my upper cheekbones and my lower face is much wider causing a more rectangular shape that I’ve never had before and really don’t like. Wondering if anyone can explain why this would happen and if it’s fixable?

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Thanks for submitting your question. Without having any photos to analyze, it's hard to provide any real insight. Typically with a deep plane lift, the opposite of your experience occurs: the lower face and jawline becomes tapered, and the upper cheeks/cheekbones become volumized by vertically lifting the malar fat pad. I suggest posting before-and-after photos or having an in-person consultation to see whether it is "fixable".

Best,
Dr. Tower

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Without knowing the exact details of what was done for you, it is difficult to fully comment. Following a lower face and neck lift, it i not uncommon to see changes in the appearance of these areas due to the nature of the surgery. Patient typically experience swelling postoperatively which can taken many months to settle down and may actually distort the appearance of the face and neck initially. I would recommend giving your body time to heal and ultimately speaking with your surgeon to discuss goals of treatment.

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Did you also have fat grafting done? That could be some of what you are seeing. I think more likely is that with you only being 3mo out that you are still seeing lymph trapping and swelling. It doesn't make sense that the lower face would get wider....

Change in face shape after facelift - is this fixable?

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Change in face shape after facelift - is this fixable?

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Everything you need to know about Deep Plane Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.