I had a face neck lift, now 10 weeks post op, little swelling & bruising after op, feel good & had a great surgeon but have some edema in jowls, surgeon says it will settle down, had 1 session of MLD with other sessions booked, how long before the oedema goes, I drink 4 litres of water every day, eat healthy, no salt & have 2 cups of fennel tea daily Hope someone can re assure me Thank you
Answer
Hello, Swelling after most facial surgeries takes a fair bit of time to completely resolve. I typically counsel my patients that after a lower lift, the most noticeable edema will resolve within the first few weeks. That being said, at six months there is still swelling which contributes volume to the cheeks which many patients find ideal. It is not until a full 10-12 months after surgery before I can confidently say that all of the postoperative swelling is gone. Hope this helps.
Dr. Christopher Kolstad, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
It takes months for the swelling to resolve completely following a full facelift. In some cases additional work is done in the jowls that may prolong the recovery even more. The good news is that you tend to look better and better as you recover during the first six months. Good luck.
Dr. David Stoker, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Although you probabaly feel pretty normal 10 weeks after the surgery, it is not unusual to continue to experience some swelling post op. I find the jowl is often the last area for swelling to dissipate. Don't be too anxious as it sounds like you have a lot of confidence in your surgeon and you will likely be very pleased long term
Dr. J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
As stated by others by 10 weeks most but not all of the swelling is typically gone. Typically by 6 months all swelling is gone. Follow-up with your PS.
Dr. Sam Naficy, MD, FACS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Swelling after facelift surgery generally settles in the first few weeks. There are situations where patients have prolonged swelling. If you had a postoperative fluid collection, hematoma or seroma and if it was not drained this can take along time to settle. You should see your surgeon to review your situation. If you have persisitent jowls post facelift this is different than post operative swelling and may require surgical touch up.
Dr. Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon