One side of a face lift more lax than other. Can it be corrected?

Question

If after the appropriate healing time one side of a SMACS face lift one side is more lax than the other how is this corrected?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

With the MACS lift the dissection is not as extensive so revisions can be performed in the office setting.  You may need placement of an additional suture to pull more tightly on the looser side.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for your question.I would suggest that if at around six months post your primary surgery, you still have concerns about laxity on one side then a minor adjustment is easily performed under local anaesthesia.You should receive regular follow ups so your surgeon should be able to assess you and discuss options with you.Good Luck.

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.An important detail we would need would be "how long ago did you have your facelift and was fat grafting added".It is common after any surgery, be it face, breast, leg, etc., to have more swelling and/or bruising on one side.  That side will need more time to recover.If the procedure is already 6 months old or longer, revisit your plastic surgeon.  You might be candidate for a small revision or perhaps a small amount of fillers would correct.Best of luck.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Hi Maximizer,You forgot to mention how long ago your surgery was. It is not uncommon to have one side of the face more swollen that the other in the first weeks to months after surgery. This corrects itself with time.If you have over 6 months after surgery and you have this problem, then I would suggest to visit your surgeon. A small correction can be done under local to improve the side that is sagging more.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Maximizer,The important question is to know how long ago your surgery was.  In the immediate post operative period it is normal for there to be one side more swollen than the other.  This tends to settle down over the course of the year.  It is also normal for there to be a little asymmetry in the long term because most faces don't start out symmetric.  If it has been at least 6 months and you are still concerned about the laxity between the two sides, tell your surgeon to see if a tightening procedure would be required.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Hi Maximizer, it is possible to have mild differences in tightness between the two sides of the face following surgery. If, after 6-9 months this still exists, it is possible to do a revision procedure to tighten it back up. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon to see if you can come up with a solution.

Robert J. Smyth, MD · Answer

I'm assuming that you are at least 6 mos post-op. You can have the side that you feel is more lax to be tightened through a shorter incision than initially done.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you feel that one side is more lax than the other, then you might need a revision on the side that is more lax.

One side of a face lift more lax than other. Can it be corrected?

Answers (8)

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