Swelling After Blepharoplasty, Cheek Implants, and Facelift

I'm sorry your plastic surgeon didn't explain how much swelling you would have after surgery. But it sounds like the postoperative course you're having is right on line with the extensive surgery that you had done. So relax and realize that the swelling and numbness will resolve. Everyone is different and the postoperative course may last longer than others. I'm sure your result will be worth it in the long run.

Hi. The only part of your story that worries me is that you have numbness of your lips almost 10 days after surgery. The infraorbital nerves provide sensation to the upper lip, and cheek implants are normally placed very close to the infraorbital nerves. I have seen cases where the implants perhaps moved and were pressing against the nerves. So I would see your surgeon right away. He knows exactly what the possibilities are. The nerves could just be bruised, in which case feeling should... more

My feeling about performing a large amount of surgery at one time is first, do no harm. The swelling and bruising from one procedure can't interfere with any other procedure. And most importantly, cosmetic surgery (elective and not needed for health purposes) should never take longer than 4 hours. After 4 hours, the patients risks go up significantly and thats a no-no. Many people try to perform many procedures at once, so as to maximize outcome while minimizing downtime. But there have to... more

This is very normal considering the multiple layers of surgery that were addressed during your procedure. Use elevation, gentle compresssion, and anti-inflammatories (when permitted by your surgeon). Consider arnica montana cream and pills. Also, consider the use of manual lymphatic drainage, if approved by your surgeon.

The procedures that the patient has had done are extensive and will necessitate extended swelling and edema in the face for quite some time. The cheek implants take the longest to heal, upwards of two months, as they are placed on the bone and have to grow into and around the bone itself. Soft tissues tend to stay very swollen over this area for the longest period of time. Socially, one should be able to get back to normal routine in two to three weeks after this surgery. It will... more

After the extensive procedures you had, swelling at 10 days postop is normal. Keep your head above your heart, keep your activity levels down with a normal heart rate and blood pressure, minimize salt intake, perhaps use cool compresses and manual lymphatic drainage and try to remain calm. You will feel better in a week.

Jill, Ten days after such extensive surgery you will still have significant swelling and possibly residual sensory changes. Stay in touch with your surgeon, who will keep you informed about your progress. Good luck!

Swelling and numbness is present in almost all facial surgery so be patient. Swelling in lips is due to the incisions in your uppper gum to place the cheek implants. All this is temporary.

You had a lot of surgery and you are recently post op. It is very normal for you to still have swelling. However, if you are concerned at all, you need to follow closely with your doctor. If you post pictures, we may be able to give you more specific advice. Good luck.

You've had a lift, implants, lasering, and skin alteration, which is a lot for your body to tolerate all at once. Be patient! Nothing to worry about for the first 3 - 4 weeks.

You had relatively extensive facial surgery - the swelling appears expected after only 10 days. Cheek implants and facelift as independent procedures may give you this kind of swelling; combining them will be somewhat cumulative. As long as you see a day by day improvement, you should be OK. Stay in close contact with your surgeon as he wants to know about your progress. Lip numbness is likely related to the cheek implants. During the procedure (done through an under-the-lip-incision?), the... more

You are so soon after extensive surgery that what you describe sounds quite normal and your primary source of advice should be your own surgeon. The lip numbness can be the result of the dissection for the cheek implants. Usually this is temporary and takes a few weeks to resolve. Alot of the swelling produced from the upper face and eye surgery will settle in the upper lip which easily swells. Be patient and stay in contact with your surgeon.