Dent in cheek after lower facelift - what are my treatment options? (Photo)

Question

The obvious dent in my cheek has not subsided with time. I massage it daily per my doctor’s recommendation. I have also had professional lymphatic drain massages. What are my options? I’m scared to do a revision surgery and come out looking worse. I’d like to avoid filler. I’ve read something about subcision but wouldn’t that involve a cut and scar in the center of my cheek? Thoughts on micro needling or ulttherapy? Cost is a factor for me but I don’t want to live with a dent either.

Tek Przylecki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Irregularities in skin and contour can occur after a face lift procedure and can have varying causes. Often these can improve or resolve over time. How long has it been since your surgery?One way to correct this would be through micro fat grafting. This can deliver more lasting/permanent results and for a small area like the cheek can often be performed under local analgesia, reducing the cost of the procedure. As always, I recommend you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and good luck!

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question and for sharing your photographs.

Based on the appearance of the scars, my impression is that your facelift procedure was relatively recent. In many cases, the simple passage of time allows such concerns to resolve on their own. It’s also important to ask your surgeon whether the materials used to support your cheek tissue are absorbable or permanent, as this can influence the healing process.

Either way, it is likely that the depression will gradually fade over time and disappear without intervention. Subcision is a potential option if the depression persists, as it works to release the tension between the skin and the SMAS layer (the underlying muscle and tissue layer), which may be transmitting the pull. Subcision does not involve any cuts on the skin but is performed with a thick needle passed under the skin to release these attachments.

I would recommend waiting at least six months from your surgery before considering any corrective actions, including subcision. During this time, medications to reduce swelling around the affected area can be helpful. Massage techniques, such as lymphatic drainage, may also promote improvement by reducing swelling and encouraging healing.

I hope this information is helpful to you.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photographs. It appears from your earliest photograph that where the SMAS layer was plicated upward, the plication was not performed in a smooth fashion.  I believe the best way to improve this is to do a revision on that side where the SMAS can be resutured and smoothed to improve  your contour.  Your cost may be high on alternative therapies, which likely won’t be as effective but one directed at the exact cause of this would be the most effective. Best wishes.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

I would recommend a subsicion procedure where the skin flap is elevated and the tissue recontoured to correct the depression.  This can be done under local anesthesia in the office setting.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for the question.
Have you discussed treatment for this with your plastic surgeon beyond massage and be patient? If you are within 6 months of your surgery massage and patience are very good recommendations. If you are beyond that, then a light filler in that area I believe would be your best option. Vollure in the Allergan line is perfect for this. Skinvive is another that would be great to try, but I think Vollure is better. Nanofat transfer is another nice option.
Best of luck to you!

Dent in cheek after lower facelift - what are my treatment options? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Subsicion

Answer: Subsicion

Answer: Fixing a dent in the cheek after facelift

Answer: Fixing a dent in the cheek after facelift

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Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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Dent in cheek after lower facelift - what are my treatment options? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Subsicion

Answer: Subsicion

Answer: Fixing a dent in the cheek after facelift

Answer: Fixing a dent in the cheek after facelift

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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.