I had my SMAS facelift (and upper eyelids) done 4 days ago. My cheeks are very swollen and hard, and I wonder for how long is it helpful to use ice pads to reduce bruising/swelling. Can the skin stretch considerably from prolonged swelling? One side of the neck is very bruised, but not swollen like the cheeks. I am 49 y.o.
Answer: Ice After Facelift
Helpful 7 people found this helpful
Answer: Ice After Facelift
Helpful 7 people found this helpful
October 13, 2015
Answer: Ice after Facelift Swelling and numbness after a SMAS lift can last for several weeks. Using ice will often help minimize swelling. Many surgeons will do facial fat injections at the same time, so the swelling can be even more dramatic and take longer to resolve. By 3-4 weeks, you should expect most of the swelling to resolve. Being just 4 days post-op, swelling and numbness are common. Numbness can last for several months. More swelling on one side is common, but usually resolves with time. Good luck.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
October 13, 2015
Answer: Ice after Facelift Swelling and numbness after a SMAS lift can last for several weeks. Using ice will often help minimize swelling. Many surgeons will do facial fat injections at the same time, so the swelling can be even more dramatic and take longer to resolve. By 3-4 weeks, you should expect most of the swelling to resolve. Being just 4 days post-op, swelling and numbness are common. Numbness can last for several months. More swelling on one side is common, but usually resolves with time. Good luck.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Ice packs after facelift Post-operative advice differs from surgeon to surgeon. Cold compresses are sometimes preferable to ice packs because they produce less rebound circulation and associated swelling. They are also less likely to produce damage to the skin flaps. The amount of swelling, although scary is within normal range for a facelift and necklift procedure and you can expect a very good long term result. The skin elasticity will be sufficient to return to a good relationship with the SMAS layer that has been the main structure to support the changes.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Ice packs after facelift Post-operative advice differs from surgeon to surgeon. Cold compresses are sometimes preferable to ice packs because they produce less rebound circulation and associated swelling. They are also less likely to produce damage to the skin flaps. The amount of swelling, although scary is within normal range for a facelift and necklift procedure and you can expect a very good long term result. The skin elasticity will be sufficient to return to a good relationship with the SMAS layer that has been the main structure to support the changes.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
May 6, 2019
Answer: Not a fan of ice over skin flaps.... It is normal to have swelling after facelift for 3-6 weeks. I'm not a big fan of ice over the skin because ice can decrease blood flow to the skin--which is not good. Ice can help somewhat with swelling and pain, but you need to be very careful with using too much ice. There are strict protocols for using ice on the skin (example: 15 min on per hour, with a protective layer over the skin). You appear to be healing nicely. Good luck!
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
May 6, 2019
Answer: Not a fan of ice over skin flaps.... It is normal to have swelling after facelift for 3-6 weeks. I'm not a big fan of ice over the skin because ice can decrease blood flow to the skin--which is not good. Ice can help somewhat with swelling and pain, but you need to be very careful with using too much ice. There are strict protocols for using ice on the skin (example: 15 min on per hour, with a protective layer over the skin). You appear to be healing nicely. Good luck!
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
October 20, 2019
Answer: Facelift 4 days ago You look great! Looking right on track for 4 days po. Swelling and bruising typically set in the most through day 3 post op. We encourage out patients to ice routinely at least for the first 3 days po and many of our facial aesthetic patients appreciate icing for the entire first week. Due to soft tissue swelling, your face will feel 'hard/firm' for a number of weeks.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
October 20, 2019
Answer: Facelift 4 days ago You look great! Looking right on track for 4 days po. Swelling and bruising typically set in the most through day 3 post op. We encourage out patients to ice routinely at least for the first 3 days po and many of our facial aesthetic patients appreciate icing for the entire first week. Due to soft tissue swelling, your face will feel 'hard/firm' for a number of weeks.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
October 20, 2019
Answer: Ice after facelift Every surgeon has their own recommendations regarding post-operative care after a facelift. My patients are instructed to use cold compresses (not ice packs) for no more than 48 hours after surgery. After this point, I don't see much benefit in using them, and don't want to delay the healing process. In most cases, bruising and swelling simply takes time to resolve.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
October 20, 2019
Answer: Ice after facelift Every surgeon has their own recommendations regarding post-operative care after a facelift. My patients are instructed to use cold compresses (not ice packs) for no more than 48 hours after surgery. After this point, I don't see much benefit in using them, and don't want to delay the healing process. In most cases, bruising and swelling simply takes time to resolve.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
