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.