Can a Lower Facelift & Platysmaplasty Cause or Exacerbate TMJ Dysfunction?

Question

I had a lower facelift 6 months ago and I have a lot of uncomfortable tightness around ears, jaw and back of head. Previous to the surgery I had a some clicking in the TMJ but nothing that ever caused discomfort. I don't have any problems opening mouth, chewing, jaw pain etc, just the tightness. My ENT didn't know if the surgery may be causing TMJ problems. Is that a possibility in your opinion? Thank you.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

TMJ difficulties should not be made worse after facelift.  I would agree with others that the tight feeling is normal due to suture placement along the soft tissues of the face.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

facelifts, lite lifts and tmj

	because the smas tightening overlies the massater muscle

	this may make the jaw feel tighter and change the motion..  it should resolve in a few weeks but you may need to consult your dentist or where your guard

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

From your description it sounds more like your tightness is from the tightening of the face lift itself, and not related to your jaw joint. I would think that these sensations will slowly resolve on their own as the healing from your surgery continues. Best wishes!

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

I don't think your facelift would cause any TMJ problems.The tightness may be due to sutures your surgeon place to tighten soft tissues and this can take soem time to loosen up .

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Unusual pain syndromes can occur after any surgical procedure.  I have certainly seen patients who had some degree of temporary discomfort following a facelift.  

	If you are experiencing symptoms associated with TMJ then I would recommend consulting with an oral surgeon for a thorough evaluation.   There is no reason why you could not be having two conditions occurring at the same time.

Can a Lower Facelift & Platysmaplasty Cause or Exacerbate TMJ Dysfunction?

Answers (8)