I am just short of 3 months post SMAS facelift. I had an incision under my chin and around my ears. So far, healing seems to be going well; however, I now have tightness when I lift my head to look up at things AND I can see my platysma muscles (like vertical bands) when I stretch my neck back. Is this a normal part of the healing process? Will it resolve in time? If not, what can be done to correct this?
Answers (9)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Dear Sir, I have had extensive experience with all types of ways to lift and tighten the SMAS. From your picture this appears to be a suspension type of suture. I surmise this from the directional vector of this pull. Ask your surgeon if he or she used a non dissolving suture devise?...
I would wait for about 4-6 months to make any final judgements on the results of your facelift. However, if you have any concerns in the meantime, make sure you go back to your plastic surgeon.
It is impossible to comment based on your photos and without examining you. You should return to your surgeon to discuss your concerns. In the meantime I would massage your jaw area and do range of motion several times a day by turning your head side to side and up and down and...
