What is the best way to correct the dents when I smile, post deep plane face lift? (POST OP)

Question

I had a deep plane neck and face lift last year . Neck looks great but I’m left with very bisable dents (separation cheeks) it’s very noticeable when I smile. My surgeon is only offering filler, I tried that option and it barely corrected it and made me look overfilled and weird. Any opinions appreciated!!

Elie Ramly, MD · Answer

Based on your description and the photo you shared, this may represent a contour irregularity related to scar tethering, volume deficiency, a contour transition where the malar fat pad was repositioned, or an indentation along the deep-plane entry/dissection line (depending on the specific deep plane technique used by your surgeon). An in-person examination can help clarify the cause. In some cases, altered dynamics of the zygomaticus major muscle ("smile block") and surrounding scar tissue may also contribute to what you're describing. One year after surgery, substantial spontaneous improvement is less likely.
While filler may help in mild cases, it usually does not adequately address a structural problem and, as you have experienced, can sometimes create an overfilled or unnatural appearance. Depending on the underlying cause, your options may include targeted fat grafting, scar release techniques, or, in selected cases, revision facelift surgery.
A thorough in-person evaluation at rest and during facial animation by a plastic surgeon who specializes in facelift and revision facelift surgery, including deep plane techniques, is important to determine whether the issue is primarily related to volume, scar tissue, tissue positioning, or muscle movement, so that the treatment addresses the underlying cause rather than simply camouflaging it.

What is the best way to correct the dents when I smile, post deep plane face lift? (POST OP)

Answers (1)

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