Dent under chin after face and neck lift. What are my options if it doesn't smooth out?

Treatment of any indention depends on the cause of. One would anticipate that there would still be persistent swelling even three months after facelift.

You definitely have options depending on the extent of the scar and depression.  If the scar is thin and inconspicuous, you may only need some fat grafting to the area.  Otherwise a scar revision with fat grafting can be performed.  I agree with the use of massage on scars in the early postop period to ensure a soft, flat scar with minimal contour irregularities.  Best wishes!

  Dear chessmom, Most of the time these incisions smooth out on their own. This can take several weeks to months. The hard part is being patient. Follow up with your surgeon and discuss the appropriate options for your situation. If anything is needed, it will most likely involve a small scar revision which is usually done with a local anesthetic. Good luck. Dr. Gervais

Scars go through a period of being firm before they soften up and smooth out. Give it 6-9 months for the recovery. Only if neccessary the best option would be probably a simple scar revision.

It is common to have swelling in this region and you should see your PS for advice. Massage is very important for this scar and I would continue with the massage for a few more months. There are options and it would be useful if you posted your pictures so tat we can give a more informed opinion.

Great question-- All scars remodel, most take between 9 and 12 months to do so.  You can speed the process along somewhat by performing regular scar massage, at the direction of your plastic surgeon.  Options for improving a scar surgically, once it has been given appropriate time to mature, are several.  A surgeon can perform a minimally invasive scar release, or subcision, using a needle.  This is commonly used for retracted or depressed scars.  Alternatively, the surgeon can release the scar (with subcision or with a scalpel) and place something between the skin and the deeper sutures so the scar does not retract again.  Fat graft or dermal matrix materials are possibilities here.  Or the scar can be excised and re-sutured such that the alignment of the skin is improved.  Your board-certified plastic surgeon should be adept at these techniques and others, and should have several methods to improve your scar.  Best wishes,-Erik Hoy, M.D.

The dent that you describe under you chin will most likely settle out over time.  It is normal for scars to form in the first few weeks after an incision.  The scar can then contract to the underlying tissue, giving you the dent.  Scars continue to remodel for a minimum of 6 months and often will continue to remodel for up to 2 years.Discuss this with your surgeon.  You may benefit from scar massage or other simple treatments. Best of luck to you.

There may be some additional healing time necessary. Otherwise, discuss this issue with your surgeon and you may consider a scar revision.

Healing takes one year so best to let healing progress.   I would need pictures to say much.  Laser is worthless for this.  Surgical revision is a possibility but rare in this area.  Filers are always a possibility.   Possibly fillers could be considered at 6 months.  This is rare so you may want to get a second opinion.   My Best,  Dr C