SMAS Facelift: Q&A

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I Had a SMAS Facelift 2 Weeks and 3 Days Ago. Swelling/Numbness Normal?

Swelling/numbness has accumulated mostly alongside stitches & jawline & although the swelling is even on both sides the swelling feels dense, thick and kind of hard-ish. Is this normal? Also, I have these slight dents under my cheek bones that I believe is caused by a combination of wearing compression @ night & where majority of swelling begins. Is this normal? I have good things to report about my recovery: bruising is gone. symmetry is good. No pain. & an indication of results to expect.thx

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by karen in 90069

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Normal facelift recovery

It's seems that your recovery is normal. There is always some swelling and bruising. Some experience more than others. There is always some temporary numbness especially around the ears and under the chin if a platysmaplasty was performed. I find that it takes about 3 months before it really isn't noticeable. Firmness of the skin around the ears takes about 3-6 months to soften but it's typically not noticeable after 2-4 wks post operation. Compression is usually only needed for less than a... more

Justin Yovino, MD

13 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Swelling and Numbness 2 Weeks after SMAS facelift

It sounds as though the results are quite good from your description, and numbness and swelling early can be quite normal. Pictures would be helpful, but dents and depressions tend to even out with the swollen areas, particularly if you are wearing compression that covers part of the area and not the other part. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Swelling and Numbness Normal after SMAS Facelift

The symptoms of swelling and numbness are not only normal but expected after the first few weeks following a facelift of any sort including a SMAS lift. Patients should expect swelling, discoloration, and bruising of the skin for several weeks following a SMAS face lift. Individuals vary a great deal in their response, but commonly the patient will be presentable within 3 weeks.

Swelling After SMAS Facelift

What you are experiencing is very normal after only 2.5 weeks of healing time post surgery. You are right in that the "dents" are most likely a combination of swelling and wearing the compression dressing. The numbness is due to a disruption of the cutaneous innervation and should resolve with time. I would suggest making sure that you attend regular follow ups with your physician to ensure that you are healing properly. It's a great sign that the bruising is gone and things are symmetrical. more

Carlo Honrado, MD

5 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drhonrado.com

Swelling and Numbness are quite normal after a facelift

There are many different techniques and procedures that are all lumped under the term "facelift". A SMAS facelift typically describes a medium to short scar facelift that relies on manipulation of the facial muscles and their coverings. Whenever the skin is separated from this underlying layer there is going to be transient numbness. The swelling is the body's response to this manipulation and actually is part of the healing process. By three weeks about 80% of the swelling has subsided.... more

Facelift results

The more swelling and numbness the better the result, be patient and talk to your doctor

Swelling/Numbness 2 Weeks after Facelift

What you describe is normal 2 weeks after a facelift. Swelling is variable and only your surgeon can tell you if he/she expected what you're experiencing.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com