Odd looking cheeks after high SMAS lift. Can filler help this issue, and if so, which one?

Question

I am 10 days post op from an SMAS lift. The lower face and cheeks were lifted. I am healing well and the incisions are good and I think the Dr. did a very good job. I know I am early in the process, but as swelling diminishes, my face looks odd. My cheeks look too muscular and there are hollow places below the upper cheeks. My face looks sculpted and flattened. Filler looks weird on people when placed too low on the frontal cheek so I am hesitant.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It’s too soon to judge the results of your facelift. You are still swollen. You are still healing. Give yourself a few months before you even think about changing your face. It’s time to let your body do its work. If you’re still unhappy 4 to 6 months down the road,  there will be many options open to you to get the look you want. I hope this helps.

Ercan Karacaoglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello L'ndarules!. Thank you for your question. 
  
Ten days is too soon to judge the results of your face lift. I am sure you are swollen a lot and at the moment you can not judge what the final result is going to be after 3 months or a year.  And as it is too soon, you can not imagine what will be the final shape and proportion of a particular area of your face compare to the any other part of your face.  As you know a SMAS facelift aims to elevate the facial sagging soft tissues namely cheeks, chin area and neck. There are different types of SMAS lifting and each has different advantages. Some types of SMAS lifting techniques address  the midcheek hollowing more than the others.  But this is not case for everyone. Each one requires different approach and combination. Some people has more hollowness than the other .  All faces are different and the exact surgical treatment plan needs to be discussed with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. But if you decide and have your surgery done then it is best to wait for a while to see and judge what you have.I hope this helps you.

Joseph L. Kiener, MD, FACS · Answer

Intervening too early, and 10 days post-op is definitely early, invariably creates more problems than it solves.  As swelling resolves and the  tissues stretch  your appearance  will change. It sounds like you had an expertly executed facelift.  Odds are that you will be happy in due time.  Regards.  Dr. Kiener

Andrew G. Silver, MD · Answer

Hi Linda,
I agree with everyone else! It takes months (often several months) to see your final result. I know that I can be tough but at this point all you have to do is be patient and follow your surgeon's advice! Filler would be an extremely rushed judgement at this point. Trust in your surgeon, you will be thankful that you did in the long run.

Hope this helps!
dr. silver

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without pictures it  is hard to say, but in general, you are likely pretty swollen and things will change over the next several weeks as the swelling subsides.

Odd looking cheeks after high SMAS lift. Can filler help this issue, and if so, which one?

Answers (6)

Answer: Way too soon!

Answer: Way too soon!

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

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Everything you need to know about SMAS Facelift

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

Odd looking cheeks after high SMAS lift. Can filler help this issue, and if so, which one?

Answers (6)

Answer: Way too soon!

Answer: Way too soon!

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about SMAS Facelift

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