Fort Worth Facelift doctors
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Walter D. Gracia, MD
Arlington Plastic Surgeon
1204 5th Avenue, Fort Worth |
8 answers | |
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Jay Burns, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
9101 North Central Expressway #600, Dallas |
4 answers | |
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Russell W. H. Kridel, MD
Houston Facial Plastic Surgeon
6655 Travis St. Suite 900, Houston |
3 answers | |
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Wilberto Cortes, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon
5000 Westheimer Suite #602, Houston |
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Colin Pero, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
5425 W Spring Creek Pkwy Suite 170, Plano |
Recent Answers
It has been 2 weeks and 2 days after my facelift. Only my neck has a little bruising. The swelling in face has gone down a lot but there still some. My neck is more swollen and a bit lumpy. When can I expect my neck to be more normal? I hate turtleneck sweaters and I have to go back to work in a few days and I don't want to tell anyone. I want the "refreshed" and not the "surgical" look. Thanks.
Hello, thank you for your question.
Bruising and swelling are normal and should be expected. Most bruising lasts for 2 weeks but the swelling will last longer. The majority of the swelling will gradually disappear over the first 4 to 6 weeks. The times vary with each patient, but are reasonable averages. The time also varies according the procedure performed. There are shorter recovery times for more minimal procedures. The time estimates given are for full facelifts in which the deeper layer called the SMAS is lifted completely.
You should discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon to determine what patients usually experience in his or her practice. In my experience, shorter recovery times are associated with more minimal procedures with shorter longevity of result. As a patient you must have realistic expectations about your recovery. If you prioritize the quality of the result, then several weeks of swelling is usually an expectation. If you optimize quick recovery then the longevity of result is usually compromised.
The doctor that performed the face lift is very capable and has a very good reputation, so i keep trying to convince myself that the nerve was not cut, but just damaged. The concern is that 12 weeks had passed after the surgery and the eyebrow is still totally paralyzed. If nerve was severed, and doesn’t regenerate, is there a surgery to fix it? I don't want to do Botox on the other side and make both eyes look the same because it looks droopy. Thank you very much
It is difficult to say if your nerve will return. I have seen this branch of the facial nerve, on occasion, be very very slow to return. In 23 years, I have seen 3 patients take 6 months to return. I actually have never seen one not return, although it certainly can happen.
I wish you the best and I sincerely believe there is room for hope. If you still have no movement at the 6 month period, then unfortunately you may have a permanent problem that is difficult, if not impossible to totally correct.
I wish you the best.
I am scheduled for a facelift in 2 weeks and i have some questions on getting prepared. Specifically my questions are: Low salt diet before and after, does it really help? What about foods rich in vitamin e since you are told to stop vit e supplements? What about vitamin e in face care products? Finally, must i stop restasis and antihistimine and decogestant eye drops and if so when? Thanks in advance - there are always great answers from the doctors on this site.
There are many opinions of what works and what doesn't. You have asked for opinions and I will give you mine based on 23 years of practice.
- no question in my mind that low salt diet absolutely helps. If you eat a bag of potato chips you know you will retain water and some of you may notice the swelling. A surgical site is more prone to swelling than normal tissue. The last thing you want is to have your face swell any more than necessary as this stretches the tissues beyond normal and lessens the tightening you are paying for.
- optimize weight. You want to be as close to optimal weight as you can so there is less weight on the facial skin flaps and the skin is looser and can be pulled more efficiently. The only caution is that you don't want to starve yourself before surgery. Any weight loss should be slow and steady with a good healthy diet. No diet pills, especially phentermine should be utilized.
- no Aspirin, anti-inflammatories like Advil or Ibuprofen, no vitamin E as it thins the blood
- if you take supplements you need to give a complete list to your doctor to review
There are more things to consider, but this hits the high points and hopefully addresses some of your concerns. Good luck and congratulations on being proactive with your surgery, trying to do your part.
