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

The muscles are not shortened during a lower face/neck lift.  The platysmal muscle is tightened through a platysmaplasty in the front portion of the neck by placing permanent sutures between the left and the right anterior platysmal bands.  Further tightening is performed in the posterior portion of the neck of the platysma along the angle of the jaw line that creates a new jaw/neck line.  Liposuction in the neck removes fat and redefines the jaw and neckline.  Excess skin is removed.

   SMAS and platysmal plication are attempts to resuspend or reapproximate tissues for a more youthful look.  No muscles are involved.  Kenneth Hughes, MD facelift Los Angeles, CA

Facelift surgery involves multiple techniques depending on each facial patients needs.
Perhaps you are discussing the SMAS procedure which I perform on the majority of all my facelifts for a better longer lasting more youthful appearance. In the SMAS technique you are dissecting, lifting and trimming and suturing between the subcutaneous fat layer and the functioning facial muscles. On some patients the platysma muscles under the neck are plicated to provide less sagging. I know it is complicated and difficult to understand all of these terms. I would suggest consulting a good surgeon in your area and he/she can show you anatomically exactly what these procedures involve and if you are a candidate for these procedures. Best regards and I hope this is helpful to you.