Facelift recovery - can I expect the lumps to flatten this long after surgery? (Photo)

Question

I’m 63 and had a deep plane lower facelift/necklift 4 mo ago. The sides of my cheeks remain lumpy, not superficial swelling, but in tissue underneath. One of my jowls is not improved but the other is fine. I followed all doctor advice, including pressure wraps for 7 wks and sleeping upright for 4 wks as well as numerous lymphatic facial massages. My doc is not concerned. In your experience, can I expect the lumps to flatten this long after surgery and will my jowling become any more improved?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Recovery after a deep plane facelift may take a bit longer but after 4 months you should be fully recovered.  It seems that on one side the skin has scarred down resulting in the irregularity.  You may need a revision that is simpler than the original procedure.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Dear Kiser,
I appreciate you sharing your story.  Your pictures illustrate your concerns well.  The areas of irregularity may flatten out with time over the next six months if they're truly inflammation/scar. If these irregularities are due to wrinkling of the skin or represent loss of volume, then they may not improve. Only time will tell. I would wait a minimum of one year after your initial operation to truly judge your results, if you seeking advice and correction, that would be the best time to proceed.

Best wishes!

Earl Stephenson, MD, DDS, MBA 
ESJ Aesthetics
"Where Confidence Takes Shape "

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would recommend a revision facelift/necklift. There is a forming cobra neck deformity as well with persistent jowling.

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on these limited view photos, I do not believe that you had a deep plane facelift. It looks too tight laterally, the neck looks bad, irregular and the mandibular ligament wasn't  fully released on your left side, which explains the notching in the jaw line. You do not need fat grafting there, if it would've been released adequately. My conclusion is that you might've had an attempted "deep plane" face lift, but your surgeon could not fully commit due to lack of experience. You will need the full facelift redone, but must wait about one year. Good luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

There will be further improvement with time but you may also need a revision if all the issues don’t improve

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Based on your posted photos, it appears these issues can only be corrected by additional surgical intervention. Best virtual consult with to determine what surgical options are best suited to correct these issues. Most likely revision of the facelift skin only on the left side where the extra jaw is in Endo release of the denting areas with possible micro grafting. Expect fees to range from $8000-$12,000. Again, best of virtual

Facelift recovery - can I expect the lumps to flatten this long after surgery? (Photo)

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