Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER SMAS Facelift Reviews

45 Years Old Female; Nervous/Excited, Scheduled for SMAS Face/Neck Lift with Chin Implant on 11/14/17!

UPDATED FROM BeautifulLife17
6 months post

Here Are Some Pictures...

BeautifulLife17
$15,000
I feel I look much better than before surgery. Seeing my profile pictures makes me happy!! If I could only feel the same way about my front view :-(
I think Dr Miller.does an excellent work at lifting the neck. And if your only problem is skin laxity (lower face/neck), you'll get great results. Now, if you like me, have a more challenging problem, it will be harder to find the perfect surgeon :-(

BeautifulLife17's provider

Timothy R. Miller, MD

Timothy R. Miller, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 151 Reviews
PROFILE

Replies (5)

May 16, 2018
hi. I had some work done by Dr. Miller. I always felt that
Sandi was covering for him.
May 16, 2018
Hello! Did you have any problems? Why do you feel Sandy was covering for Dr Miller?

I'm happy my recovery wasn't too bad and I don't really have any sensation problems. My can even forget I had a chin implant. It does not bother me at all!!
May 16, 2018
I meant to say *I even forget*
User Avatar
May 16, 2018
Hi Beautiful,
thanks for so descriptive review of your surgery!
Even you have a list of CONS, you look beautiful on the pictures and in reality:).
I absolutely agree that Dr. Miller could do better job, you don't need this bump for this money and in your age but from the other side, I don't think that somebody else sees this bump until you point on it. I also have a little bump, don't have a time to contact Dr. Lev, I will. I don't consider at this time any procedures to minimize it.
Let us know if you selected to go for any procedures.
All the best,
Moria.
May 17, 2018
Hi Moria! Thanks for your comment!
For now I'm just planning to relax and wait for a year to pass. Hopefully by then all swelling will be gone and I'll see how I feel about that area and if I still feel the need to get it fixed.

I was lucky to meet you and person and you are a beautiful lady. I love your skin!! Whatever you do, is working, your skin looks so good!

And luckily your "bump" is way smaller than mine! So you have nothing to worry about hehe

I hope to see your update soon!!

Best regards!!
User Avatar
May 17, 2018
@beautiful life, just came upon your review in my feed. Sorry to hear about your bump on your jaw. I had a FL and had those bumps but on both sides. I pointed it out afterwards and everyone said they didn't see it and l looked great. I think it must be in the training to never acknowledge any imperfections after PS. Lol
After a yr, I got my chin implant removed and they lipo'd the pockets,of "whatever" hanging. b/c that is what l wanted them to correct in the first place, saggy jowls. I'm 3 MPO, so far so good. The first Dr didn't want to do face Lipo bc sometimes there are ridges and poor results. I guess he,wasn't confident to do it. And said they don't do Lipo on the face due to gaunt look. A older face needs fat. But l always had a chubby face, and gain weight in my face.
Everything felt tight underneath but there,was those pockets,still there.
I got a review here if u want to see
Maybe after a yr after all the,"swelling" is gone, maybe ask him to lipo it a bit. Say youre,happy except that bit that won't go away.
Good luck. And take care.
May 17, 2018
Hello MieGee3!! It sounds like you had the same problems I have now hehe
Yeah, the same thing happened to me, every time I complained about my "bumps" I was told I look great and so much better than before :-) :-) I do feel I look much better than before, don't get me wrong, I agree on that, but I do see those pockets of fat (or whatever they are) and bother me a lot. No matter how much I try to ignore them, I still notice them every time I see myself in the mirror or even feel them when I touch my face. My doctor said the same thing about doing lipo on the jaw line (or reducing the buccal fat pad), not being good because of a gaunt look and/or irregular results. I understand what he is saying but in my case I feel is different, I already have those "irregular" bumps on the jaw line and my face is always "chubby", lack of fat in my face has never been a problem lol I feel I need to trim down that area somehow. I thought a lower face lift was the answer to it, being when that area can be worked on and solve those problems but I guess is harder than I expected. Sometimes I see reviews from ladies who had that same problem and then after surgery, problem is solved!! I wish I was one of them hehe
It seems your revision worked out the way you expected. I'm happy for you!
Thanks for your advice and good wishes. I'll check your review soon!
June 10, 2018
Wow. I have the exact same protruding salivary gland issue as you do!! It's been almost a year since my surgery with Dr. Miller and my neck still looks swollen and has those odd thick vertical bands on each side. My jowls are already returning too. Not happy.

Dr. Miller has been nice during my check ups, but frankly, when I pointed out the issue, he totally dismissed this very obvious flaw.

Not going back there again, since I don't feel that he is understanding at all. I'm currently researching other doctors in the area who might be able to correct it.
June 11, 2018
Hi Nelly! I’m sorry to hear you are having those issues, too :-( Let me know once you find a competent doctor who’s able to fix it for you. I’m trying to be happy with my results but I honestly think the outcome could have been better. Dr Miller and Sandy were always “nice” as long as I did not question the results or disagree on how “great” I look after surgery... proof of it is how they stopped (nicely) seeing me at 6 months after surgery when I hear most of his patients are seen up to a year after surgery.. Oh well... I don’t understand how is so hard for some of these surgeons to admit their work wasn’t completely satisfactory and it can be improved, maybe with just a tiny bit more work. Anyways, life goes on.
UPDATED FROM BeautifulLife17
6 months post

6 Month Update...

BeautifulLife17
Hello everyone! Here is my 6 month update, as promised :-)

I had my 6 month post-op (and apparently my last one!) yesterday. When I was leaving the office, I was told I did not need to be seen anymore... I was kind of disappointed because I have expressed my dissatisfaction with the jowl/neck line (specially left side) results since the beginning. Maybe that's why he does not want to see me anymore lol

Yesterday, every time I mentioned what I see as a problem in my lower face (jowl/neck area), or how I feel my chin implant shifts to my left, instead of helping to balance my face, he dismissed my concerns and kept telling me how I look so much better and that he did everything he could for me. Basically, he does not see what I see or better said, does not want to deal with it! I wish he was a little more willing and understanding. I truly feel some micro-lipo to that area could help and I mentioned it to him and he said “no”. I know he is the surgeon and knows better? than me but I do see my face everyday and know it better than anyone, and from what I have seen on other reviews, sometimes a little lipo makes a huge, positive difference. Something positive about yesterday’s appointment I want to mention, is that I complained about my ear lobes being still very swollen and he offered to inject some medication (steroids?) to help with it. He did that on my previous appointment to an area inside my scalp, where I had a bump at the incision site and it helped. I hope it helps the same way this time!

Also, I saw many of his reviews talking about him as an artist and perfectionist, well, he was not with me… He does not want to acknowledge that there could be further improvement and better results in my area of concern (left lower face/jowl/neck area). When I mentioned the micro-lipo and he said no to it, he said maybe he could put some filler in that area, which is something I don’t want (in my mind, fillers will make it look heavier) or maybe lose a few pounds. I want to be clear that my weight was never a concern at my initial consultation. He did not mention it or said results would be better or worse because of my weight. I actually brought it up to him on my pre-op because I still have some pounds (a little more than 10) I want to drop and I wanted to make sure that losing that much weight would not mess up my results. I’m size medium, not a plus sized person. After I had my last child (3 years ago) I struggled getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight and I’m still a little over 10 pounds heavier than my pre-pregnancy weight but nothing crazy! I exercise at least 5 days a week, for an hour each day, and eat fairly healthy but I’m still struggling to lose that weight. I figured for me to go down to my pre-pregnancy weight I have to starve myself, and I’m not sure I want to do that… Anyways, my complain about my lower face area goes beyond having a chubby face (which I know is part of me, have always had a chubby face, even at my lowest weight).

I was hoping this surgery was going to help me to balance my lower face (and that’s why I agree to do a small chin implant, too), besides taking care of the extra skin in my neck area. I truly believe there could be further improvement to that area but my doctor is not willing to work with me and I don’t want to force anything. I want to say, again, that I’m very happy with my neck area and the fact that I no longer have that ugly hanging skin!!! I WON’T LIE, I LOVE THAT!! But I want to be honest with my review and I cannot say that I’m 100% satisfied with the outcome of it… At the end, the purpose of this review is to help others like I feel other reviews helped me (and I hope they were as real as mine). You be the judge!! I’m just telling you how I feel… Maybe I’m way too critical of myself? Maybe I’m asking for too much? Something impossible/unrealistic? Maybe you see my pictures and think I’m going crazy? Or maybe not?... Use your good judgement, do your research and go into your surgery feeling you picked the best doctor, like I did… Hopefully you will not be disappointed!!

Here is the GOOD & BAD about my experience so far:

GOOD/POSITIVE! ?
** Dr Miller specializes in face/neck surgery.
** He is double board certified.
** Has great reviews.
** His website before and after pictures are great.
** The scar placement he uses is very good (most not visible).
** Is within driving distance of my home.
** I loved the overnight stay (right after surgery).
** He is nice (just not willing to admit results could be better).
** His assistant (Sandy) was great at the beginning of this process (before surgery). Always on top of it. She was one of the reasons I ended up having my surgery with Dr. Miller. The other surgeon I liked, had a careless assistant.

BAD/NEGATIVE! ?
** Dr Miller is more expensive than the average OC facial surgeon (At least the ones I consulted). I think mostly because of his facility/operating room fees are higher.
** Sandy was a little pushy about scheduling surgery. She said Dr Miller’s surgeon fees were going up and the quoted price was to be honored only if I scheduled surgery by certain date.
** He prefers to perform surgeries under general anesthesia.
** I kind of expected to have follow up appointments until about a year after surgery, not to stop at my 6 month post op.
** At my 6 month mark, results are “good” but not “great” and I don’t feel he is willing to do anything else to make it better. I’m still hopeful time will help improve my results.
** I keep researching treatments (micro-needling, profound RF) to improve my jaw line area. Then I feel I paid enough not to deal with any of those procedures and I still find myself thinking about them.
** After I had surgery, they were not willing to see me on the day it was more convenient for me. My pre op appointments were always arranged to meet my needs but not once I had surgery. I remember when I scheduled my post op appointment (once I went back to work) and asked for an appointment on the usual day (Friday) I had scheduled all my previous appointments. The receptionist went to ask Sandy if she could schedule me for that day and I heard her saying “no”. I wasn’t mad about it but it did make me feel that since I had paid for their services already, meeting my needs wasn’t that important anymore…
** I used to get a text and phone call to remind me of my appointments. That did not happen for the appointment I had yesterday. I had to call the office to make sure my appointment was in fact on schedule for yesterday and then I was told my appointment was actually ½ hour earlier than what I had on my notes. I’m glad I called!!

Replies (4)

May 15, 2018
I will add updated pictures soon.
May 16, 2018
thank you for being so thorough in your post-op review! It definitely is helpful to hear all you experienced and felt about your journey, begining to end. I've been thinking about other procedures, but feel at this point, SMAS is probably the best option to get the results I need. You look great! Yes, I see what you are talking about regarding the difference in the two sides. But we are not meant to be "perfect" and I think you have wonderful results. Enjoy your beautiful self!!
May 16, 2018
Thanks! I appreciate your comment.
Good luck on your future procedure. I hope you get the results you expect!!
June 1, 2018
I agree with your comments about the symetry of your face and dissapointed the Dr dismissed your concerns as they are visible.
Am dissapointed as I was considering this Dr at some point but glad I am going to pass.
April 10, 2025
Did you Dr Miller ever help you?
UPDATED FROM BeautifulLife17
3 months post

A few more..,

BeautifulLife17

Replies (5)

User Avatar
February 23, 2018
Hi,Beauty. Good morning!! Happy see you again! I can see you little jowl. Have you spoken with your ps? I have some concerns too,waiting my three month appointment-12/3- I need a touch -or two. You look beautiful anyway.
February 23, 2018
Hi Eva! Happy to see you too! Thanks for your kind words.

Yeah, that jowl is still there :-( My wish was for that part to be smooth, all that extra skin/fat to be gone after the lower face lift :-( My face on the other side did not have a jowl, just the extra skin in the neck area. I think the neck area looks good (on both sides) but the jowl was not taken away completely. I think it can be achieved. I just need a little more lifting and maybe a little fat needs to be taken out. I feel like crying when I see my problem is still there :-(

I have been thinking to do microneedling or some other kind of treatments but then I remember that I went for the lower face lift, not a mini-lift but an SMAS (along with the neck lift) to make sure I did not to have to deal with those treatments that more often than not, don't give you good results. Now that I already had the lower face lift and the jowl is still there, smaller but at the same time my lower face area looks kind of heavier because I think the skin and fat was just lifted and now the weight of the fat (that wasn't taken out) is pulling my skin down again. I'm not a doctor so I don't know if that makes sense but it feels like it to me. Besides, since day one, I felt my right side tighter, my left side never felt as lifted, tighted up. And it was the side that needed more work... :-( Or maybe is just swelling?! I'm still hopeful, huh! :-)

Good luck to you on your next appointment. I hope your doctor agrees with you and does the touch ups you want.
February 23, 2018
When I had my neck lift, I also had microliposuction along the jawline. It addressed the exact area you are concerned about. Even though I didn't have a facelift, the lipo was very effective at cleaning up the bit of jowling I had. (I'm 39 and was not ready for a facelift.) I'm not sure if Dr. Miller does facial lipo, but it could be a fairly simple touch up if he does. I agree that after a full SMAS lift, you should be happy with this area. I think your expectations are totally reasonable!
February 23, 2018
Hi Lucille! Thanks for your input. Yes, I do believe some lipo would help a lot. I think he said he did a little lipo around that area but if he did, it wasn't enough. It should not be that complicated, right?! He did a great job lifting my neck but I think he did not do enough lipo (if he did any) and it was needed, even under my neck area there a couple of pockets of what I think is fat, it maybe swelling but if not, then is fat left behind...

Also, thanks for reassuring me I'm not just plain crazy, asking for too much!!

I'm very happy to hear the lipo worked for you on your jaw area!! Yay!! You are still very young (in the facelift world hehe) and hopefully this will last you for a very long time!!!

Have you posted an update lately?
February 23, 2018
Okay, I checked to see if you had an updated review but I see you don't have one hehe :-)
Anyways, I'm glad to know surgery went well for you and you are happy with your results!!
User Avatar
February 24, 2018
Sorry to read you're still having some issues. You look beautiful anyway. I hope your concerns resolve soon. Keep us posted. Btw I'm planning to have this procedure soon. I just have to decide whether I should di it under local or general anesthesia. Was it comfortable to do it under local? Thanks.
February 24, 2018
Yeah, me too :-( I wish everything was good by now. Thanks for the compliment!

I had my surgery under general anesthesia but I think you’ll okay if done under local, specially if you are not having a lot done.
User Avatar
February 25, 2018
You look great i do.see part you are talking about but it is still early i have read many times it takes a good 6 months to really see your final result so hang in there and your not crazy. Keep us posted
February 26, 2018
Thanks CdOsmond! And yes, I know is still early to make a final judgement on my results so hopefully my problem area will get much better by the 6 month mark. I know I still get swollen so that can contribute to the way that part of my face looks.

I will keep updating, as promised. :-)
User Avatar
February 26, 2018
Hi there,
I think that I also have some fat pockets:).
We should talk sometime.
I was so busy with looking for a new job that I've got disconnected from everything.
I was driving to San Diego every day, now I have got one closer to my home in OC.
Cheers and regards,
looking forward talking to you,
Moria.
February 26, 2018
Hi Moria! Nice to hear from you. I'm glad now you got a job closer to your home. Traffic is horrible most of the time so the closer the better!!

Sure we can talk, I'll send a PM!
February 26, 2018
Have you posted an update, yet?
User Avatar
February 26, 2018
No, forgot because was in hurry:(.
Usually, my hair stylist takes a pictures that I post later.
This time I rushed for brow tattoo and forgot to ask her.
Will do at any available daylight time, most probably it will be the next Saturday, hate this darkness in the evenings and looking forward for time change.
Regards,
Moria.
User Avatar
February 26, 2018
I see the fat pocket on my the right side as you showed it on the video on the left.
February 27, 2018
No worries!! I know how it is!! I, too, took a while to update. In part because I was waiting for my problem areas to get better (I don’t want to sound pessimistic/unhappy but I have to be realistic) and also because I get too busy, days go by fast and I just didn’t make the time to do it. But I promised to keep updating and I like to keep my promises :-)

Days will get longer soon. I’m looking forward to them, too!!
February 27, 2018
Sorry you too are dealing with the same issue:-( What are you planning to do about it?
March 22, 2018
Like you, I had my surgery with Dr. Miller several months ago, and I'm not impressed with the results. I look nothing like his sample photos of other patients. My ears look terrible. I have sent you a private message. Hope to hear from you!
March 26, 2018
Hi Nelly. I'm sorry to hear your results are not as good as you expected :-( I understand, I, too, saw pictures of some of his patients who seemed to require more work than me but had much better results :-(
User Avatar
March 26, 2018
Hi.... what are you going to do?
March 26, 2018
Hi Eva. I have a follow up appointment on April 16. I'll see what he suggests..,
User Avatar
April 16, 2018
I’m following your journey too. Today is your appointment with your ps??? I’m curious to hear what he says and how he’ll address this. Good luck. xoxo
April 24, 2018
Hello ransrvr! Sorry I did not reply earlier... I have been away from this site for a little while. I had to reschedule my 4/16 appointment. I'll see my doctor next month instead. I'll update once I see my doctor.

Regards!!
User Avatar
April 24, 2018
Good luck with your appointment next month. I had a neck lift with liposuction and I’m very pleased. It was so bothersome for me looking in the mirror (way too often) and staring at the excess skin that made me look “turkey-ish “! I think the lipo was the best solution for me. Looking forward to your updates. xoxo Randi