Post-op lower face & neck lift I already see crepey lax skin on the front of my neck. Is it typical in a 53 yr female?

Question

Did lower face/neck lift 2 wks ago, still swollen esp chin. Sagging profile/jowls are corrected. But after major swelling calmed I saw crepe lax skin on underside of neck. I was told neck muscle was tightened; note 2.5" scar under heavily swollen chin. It's early, but is this degree of laxity common so soon? Obvious when looking at neck from underneath, not as much w/ head upright. It's not enough skin to grasp, feels pretty tight, but looks lax. Fix options? how long to wait before fixing?

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

I certainly see your concern. Considering you are only 2 weeks out from surgery, you have swelling that will continue to improve. My only concern would be if the crepiness is due to an inadequate release of the platysma muscle after pulling them together. If that is not the case, then you should see things improve over the next couple of months. I would definitely wait at least two months before I would be concerned and consider options to improve it. Those options could vary from a fractionated laser like a Halo laser treatment to revision surgery to further release the muscle.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation Specialist

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  It is still very early in the recovery process to be trying to make any valid assessment of your results.  In addition, there are no preop pictures for comparison.  You still have a fair amount of swelling and things will certainly change over the following weeks and months, as the healing process continues.  With regards to the wrinkled appearance of the skin under the chin, this is not typical, but certainly can happen following facelift.  This will typically occur in people who already have wrinkling of the skin in that area prior to surgery.  It is indicative of poor skin elasticity.  When a facelift is performed, the skin tightens up and looks smoother.  However, as things naturally relax following the procedure, the wrinkles may return.  I think this is especially likely in minilift procedures or procedures in which the skin of the neck is not fully undermined and re-draped to optimize tightening of the neck skin.  With regards to improving this area of wrinkled skin, it is way too early to intervene.  I would recommend patience with the healing process.  Express your concerns to your primary surgeon.  At some point, maybe 6 - 12 months after your procedure, a revision procedure or possible skin tightening with laser, radiofrequency, or ultrasound may be indicated.  I wish you the best in your recovery and achieving your aesthetic goals.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi, It is a little early to judge the final result after a facelift. You might want to visit with your surgeon and discuss your concerns. Every surgeon has their own methods , so it is always best to go back and voice your worries.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Steven H. Dayan, MD · Answer

Dear agingmess,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an assessment and recommendations based on photographs alone. I recommend you discuss this further with your surgeon with re-evaluation in their office to best address your concerns. It may take weeks to a month to see where the facial swelling and skin settles. If you still have issues in your neck months out from your surgery, your surgeon can discuss with you possible additional treatment options to address this area such as massaging, filler injection or fat transfer, or surgical revision depending on specific issues you have.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Either way, its too early to say how well  you are healing. You can determine the final results after a few months (wait at least 3m), compare with the before pictures and any revisions should probably wait at least 6m. That would be the most prudent course of action.

Post-op lower face & neck lift I already see crepey lax skin on the front of my neck. Is it typical in a 53 yr female?

Answers (9)

Answer: Facelift: Neck skin laxity

Answer: Facelift: Neck skin laxity

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Post-op lower face & neck lift I already see crepey lax skin on the front of my neck. Is it typical in a 53 yr female?

Answers (9)

Answer: Facelift: Neck skin laxity

Answer: Facelift: Neck skin laxity

Answer: Healing after face/neck lft

Answer: Healing after face/neck lft

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.