Is it possible to have a lateral sweep from a deeplane facelift?

Question

If so why would this Happen? I have hollowing under my eyes and indentations in my malar cheek area that was not there before my deep plane facelift. My nasal folds are still sagging. I look older than I did before the surgery. What are my options for correcting this unfortunate result. Thank you

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Did you have a deep plane facelift due to concerns regarding wound healing from a smoking hx?  If this is not the case, separating the skin flap from the SMAS flap can result in different vectors of pull that result in a more natural look.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Without photos, it is difficult to tell you how you should move forward, but it sounds as though you might need a revision.  Please voice your concerns with your operating surgeon.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

Sometimes, the lines will settle down over time.  Otherwise, lasers might help resurface the skin to make them less noticeable.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

If I am interpreting what you are describing correctly this is due to excess tension on the skin. Usually a composite facelift is designed to allow closure with no tension on the skin. Treatment would require re-elevation and re-draping of the skin under no tension.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Yes, but very unlikely in experienced hands.A lateral sweep in a term given to a certain "look" after a facelift, typically performed using muscle layer (SMAS) "plication", limited deep-plane or only skin tightening techniques.  A thorough deep plane lift (e.g., high-smas lift) (with or without fat transfer) will typically correct and prevent the lateral sweep from occurring.Specifically a lateral sweep look is when the skin from the corners of your mouth to you earlobe hangs down, much like a tennis net hangs down between the two poles. I hope this helps.

Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and sharing your concerns.  A lot depends on how long ago you had the procedure.  If it has been within weeks then any distortions you may see can still be related to swelling.  If these persist after three months, I would revisit your surgeon to discuss your concerns.  "This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Romy Ahluwalia, MD · Answer

Hard to say without photos. The skin and muscle can and do love in different directions during a deep plane facelift. Often perceived tightness or irregularities settle with time.

Daniel G. Kuy, MD · Answer

HiIt would be helpful to see pictures to better analyze what the cause of these problems may be.First it is best to wait 6 month from surgery to have all the mid face swelling subside. Specially the malar cheek swelling takes a long time to improve with a deep plane face lift.Nasal folds improve very little with any face lift and often still need fillers or fat grafts to improve.Same for the hollow eyes.A sweep comes from too much pull either on the skin or the deep plane in an incorrect direction and often needs additional revision face lift surgery to correct it.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

It is possible to have a whoosh after ANY type of face lift.  A whoosh occurs if:1.  Incorrect vector of elevation2.  Incorrect amount of dissection3.  Incorrect plane of dissectionAny or all of these factory can leave unsightly folds, pleats, and whooshes.  The solution to this is a revision face lift.  The skin should be dissected from the underlying SMAS.  The SMAS may need to be dissected as well.  Following this the SMAS and skin should be draped in the appropriate vectors.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear you look older than prior to facelift and sorry about the indentations. You should wait about 6 months from the time of the original facelift. It sounds like you may need revision.  The "sweep" can be corrected. The skin may need to be elevated separately and new vectors of closure chosen.  You could also seek a second opinion from another surgeon in your area. Best wishes.

Is it possible to have a lateral sweep from a deeplane facelift?

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