Will Muscles That Have Been Shortened in a Facelift Thin out and Weaken in Time?

 The muscle layer that is lifted and trimmed, during a Face Lift is called the SMAS layer and this is not part of the muscles that animate or move the face.  The SMAS is a thin layer just below the subcutaneous fat of the face but above the facial muscles themselves.

 The SMAS is dissected, elevated, trimmed and sutured together during a Face Lift and would not have any impact on the facial muscles themselves.  Be sure the Face Lift Surgeon, you select, understands and follows the proper aesthetics of facial beauty for the creation of a naturally, more attractive face.

Good question. The short answer is "No". The muscle function is not altered unless there is damage to the nerves that send messages to the muscles. That is an infrequent complication and usually resolves over a few months. The long answer is that we really dont do much to the muscles although some surgeons use that term because patients understand the word muscle. In fact, the muscles don't sag at all. It is the layer of tissue that holds the fat pads that sags along with the skin. The muscles are tiny thin structures and when we lift the deep tissues the muscles just go along for the ride. But it is important to lift the deep tissues and let them lift the skin. If we only tighten the skin you look tight, not youthful, and we do not want that look.