What are my options to treat lumps after lower facelift? 3 years post op. (photos)

Question

Three years ago I had a lower face lift, including l neck lift, lipo on jawline and fat grafting in cheeks. Months later I developed lumps in my lower cheeks. My surgeon said it was buccal fat. I have since talked with two top surgeons and they said it was not buccal fat and possibly fibrosis where the lumps remain. One suggested Thermage and one suggested to use filler around it. I have since moved to AZ and want to see what can be done to fix it. The appearance has not changed in the 3 years.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

For unique cases where a variety of modalities could be used to treat the condition, I would suggest an in person or virtual consultation to develop a custom and effective treatment plan.  It is difficult to precisely define the best option without collecting the same information. I suggest reaching out to an expert for a consultation with surgical and non-surgical methods to get a comprehensive option. Best, Dr. Emer.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

If the area in question is firm, it is probably from the grafted fat.  However, if the area is soft and compressible, it is probably buccal fat. Buccal fat is easy to decompress surgically.  Fat grafting in this area is more difficult to remove surgically as the grafts are placed beneath the SMAS and on top of the deep fascial plane.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

If indeed this is postsurgical fibrosis, it can be treated with triamcinolone or if resistent to varying combinations, concentartions and amounts of anti-inflammatory agents in a similar fashion to the treatment of a hypertrophic scar, i.e. visible scar whose fibrosis extends above the skin surface. Hope this helps. Best of luick.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Fat grafting to the face during the face/neck lift is done but not recommended since too often the fat just migrates or slides down from the upper cheeks down to the mid or lower cheeks.  Spot liposuction with the micro canulas under local and/or steroid injections can usually fix the problem.

What are my options to treat lumps after lower facelift? 3 years post op. (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lumps are usually fat that has slid down after facial fat grafting.

Answer: Lumps are usually fat that has slid down after facial fat grafting.

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Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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

What are my options to treat lumps after lower facelift? 3 years post op. (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Lumps are usually fat that has slid down after facial fat grafting.

Answer: Lumps are usually fat that has slid down after facial fat grafting.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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