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?

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. 

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

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.

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

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. 

Two weeks after facelift is very early in the healing process. While some skin relaxation may occur, swelling is still present in patients. Skin may also tighten gradually over time, but takes a longer period of time. If you haven't already, then speak with your facelift surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best,Dr. Chaboki

Thank you for this great question which many patients contemplating or having undergone this procedure may ask. I'd say that even though this issue causes you significant distress at the moment, you have to let your body heal from the surgery and see what happens with time. Two weeks is still very early. It generally takes 3 months for most of the healing to be complete although the process continues slowly up to 1 year. Generally, as the skin heals and scars down to the underlying soft tissue, one can see resolution of the crepey-ness you describe. If this is not the case, then there are interventions, beyond a revision, that your surgeon can offer to help improve the appearance of your neck. Follow your post operative instructions carefully and make sure you are communicating with your surgeon as you progress through the recovery process as he or she may have additional pearls to allow for more favorable healing. Hope that helped! Best, Dr. Roy.

Crepey skin that is superficial fine lines and almost fragile like skin is something that is not treated by a facelift. Loose skin will improve with a facelift. The crepey skin may be needed to be treated with lasers. 

You are correct, it is too early to tell your final result. All patients have different degrees of natural skin quality. Some patients therefore have a longer duration of tighter skin than others. In addition there is a fine line between pulling skin too tight and having wound healing problems and/or an unnatural look.   I would not judge your result this early, but I would suggest you use a neck band to provide support to the neck and hopefully aid in reducing the swelling. Swelling may cause this appearance to the skin. Not all surgeons like this so I would address with your surgeon first. Good Luck.