Neck Swelling After Exercise - Will This Ruin my Facelift Results?

At 8 weeks postop, there are aspects of healing that a patient is aware of, but that others do not.  Some degree of swelling after exercise is not unusual and probably relates to lymphatic swelling.  This will resolve itself in the next few weeks to months; the swelling will not compromise your result.

Thank you for your question.   I dont believe you ruin your results of the surgery.  You are still healing just back off in heavy duty exercise and I believe you be fine.

It takes many months for everything to feel 100% normal again after facial surgery. A small amount of swelling after exercise that resolves on its own should not cause any long-term problems. I do tell my patients that if the face is pounding or they are getting swelling, that they should back off in the intensity of their workouts somewhat until they are more comfortable and have eased back in to a completely normal routine.
Be sure to discuss any post-operative concerns with your surgeon.
All the best,

The #healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). Some degree of firmness or #lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

My belief is that repetitive swelling of the neck skin coupled with the constant pull of gravity will lead to premature "skin stretching" over time. To my knowledge, there is no study that validates this belief, only my own experience and understanding of the aging process.Whenever surgery is performed in any part of the body, the normal "plumbing" that takes away excess fluid is disrupted and persistent swelling results. On average, it takes 6 weeks to 3 months for the plumbing to re-establish, however, this may vary.My advice, is to hold off on any exercise that creates fluctuating swelling. You know your body best and will feel and see the swelling. I usually have patient do 50% of their normal exercise and either dial it forward or back depending upon how their body responds. Just remember: it will eventually go away!

Swelling to different areas of a facelift after exercise is normal for the first 8 weeks.  No, it does not effect the end result of the lift.  In the end, listen to your body.  If it feels uncomfortable, back off for a day or two and then try again.  Good luck. 

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling and firmness in the tissues will return to normal as time passes by. Between the first and second week, much of your swelling and bruising will dissipate. It may take more than a month or two for your tissues to fully soften and any residual swelling to resolve. You may find that intermittent swelling will occur with vigorous exercise and this may persist for months.  However, with each passing month, the degree of intermittent swelling should be less.  Lymphatic massage maybe an option to help clear the swelling and firmness at a faster pace. I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time.

No it will not ruin your facelift and other facial surgery but will simply slow down the time for your final result.

Here is what I have found to help n many cases:

If it is just upper neck consider wearing an elastic chin strap after exercise at night
Localized lymphatic massage - your surgeon can demonstrate for you

Continued head elevation
Low Salt diet
No heavy lifting or intense exercise - rather focus on toning, low wt, high repetitions

 

Good luck

It is fairly normal to experience swelling after you workout following a facelift surgery. You might want to consider slowing down your workout routine and allow your face to heal more. I would also recommend consulting your surgeon and letting him know about the swelling post-workout so he can make sure everything is ok.

Transient swelling at 11-12 weeks with vigorous exercise in not uncommon. We incorporate low power ultrasonic massage in the post operative period to help minimize and speed up the resolution of the swelling. I do not feel it will compromise your results. If swelling persists however, call your surgeon. Good Luck!

hi Ready123-

After face lift surgery vigorous activity can resume after about 6 weeks. There will be some additional swelling as the activity level increases, but this should have not long term consequences. You should listen to your body. If your swelling is lasting into the the next day, perhaps you should back off a bit and check with your surgeon.

Sincerely,

Tom Kaniff