10 Weeks Post Op Face & Neck Lift, Edema in Jowls, When Will It Dissipate?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

It sounds like you are doing everything right.  Without seeing before and after pictures or seeing you in person, it is impossible to give you specific advice.  However, most of the swelling will go away in the first few weeks, but you will continue to see changes over the next few months.

 

Good Luck.

Swelling or "edema"is common after facelift and is more pronounced and longer to resolve depending on which procedure is done.  I think continued massage should help the problem.  It may take 4 - 6 months to resolve completely.

Dear Patient, Generally speaking, 10 weeks following a face and neck lift surgery, the swelling should have decreased. However, I suggest you consult your plastic surgeon and follow his instructions. 

 

Thank you for the question. Aside from drinking all that water, you should continue to do what you are doing. The residual jowling etc. may improve but there is really nothing to do now anyway so you may just want to settle in and wait for the healing to continue. If a revision is necessary, nothing should be done until all of the edema has resolved and you have a mature scar; roughly 6 months.

I'd say things should continue to improve.  10 weeks, surprisingly, is still somewhat early in the healing process.    I'm sure your surgeon did and excellent job.  Your results will be mature in another month or so.  Everyone is a little different.  If the jowling continues you may need a little cheek and midface volume with fat or Sculptra.

 

Keep close followup wihth your surgeon

Chase Lay, MD