SMAS & Neck Lift 14 months ago. Bands seem to be coming back and jowls reappearing (Photo)

Question

Hello, I had a smas & neck lift in December 2021. Initally I was very happy with the results as I had a really bad turkey neck . About three months in I started to see a small amount of skin hanging and one side of my jawline seems quite swelled still and looks like a jowl. Over the last 6 months the skin is getting very loose again and I think it may be my Platysma bands coming back. Also I still have a lot of tightness and discomfort is that normal?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

After a facelift platysma bands can recur over time. This is true no matter what technique is used and who the surgeon is. It’s the nature of platysma bands. I have seen this is my own patients cell as many other surgeons’ facelifts. It can be addressed secondarily by resuturing  the bands through the submental incision under local anesthesia

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Unfortunately this can be common with SMAS lifts. The technique fails to properly lift and address all the deeper structures leaving to skin pulled but not the structure beneath. You can speak with your surgeon about your concerns. It is important to select a surgeon with experience in deep plane facelifts, this may give you a better chance at achieving your desired longer lasting results. Best of luck.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, recurrence of the platysma bands is relatively frequent problem after face lift; even when   platysma is cut, it  still may create a problem, probably related to deep scarring and skin adhesions. Small redundancy underneath the jawline may be result of redundant fat; liposuction may be the way to correct it? You may try Botox for treatment of muscle bands or consider revision of neck. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you  for your query. 
 If all the three pictures are recent , the third picture, from the front looks very good but in the second picture  it does appear that the bands are coming back. Platysmal bands can be difficult to fix permanently or even long term, as they tend to reform. Tightness and discomfort one year after the procedure is unusual  and you should see your Plastic surgeon to discuss both of your concerns. All the best

SMAS & Neck Lift 14 months ago. Bands seem to be coming back and jowls reappearing (Photo)

Answers (4)

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