Can facelift swelling recur after it's healed? (Photos)

Thanks for your question and photos. You are still pretty early in the recovery process after a facelift, so swelling can be expected during this time. Activity and alcohol consumption may increase swelling temporarily as well. I recommend you schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon for an in-person assessment to ensure your recovery is proceeding normally. This should also put your concerns to rest. Best wishes for a speedy and successful recovery!

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  The healing process after facelift actually takes several months, during which time there may be some residual fluctuating swelling.  Certainly increasing activity, drinking alcohol, or eating a salty diet may exacerbate the swelling somewhat.  However, it seems a little unusual to see a dramatic increase in swelling more than a couple of months out from surgery.  For that reason, I would suggest that you communicate with your primary surgeon and make him aware of this change, so that he/she can evaluate you in person to make certain that everything is healing as expected.  I wish you the best in your recovery.

It’s not unusual to have swelling following a facelift up to 6 to 9 months. Swelling often occurs in cycles after the initial three month period. This commonly occurs following physical activities.Stabilization  usually occurs after nine months to a year subsequent from surgery. You are still very early in the postoperative recovery phase but seeing your plastic surgeon for assurance will be a great idea.

Thank you for your question.  It is not likely for a lot of swelling to recur however increasing the amount of activity such as exercise, alcohol or being dehydrated can increase swelling.  It is always good to notify your surgeon.  All The Best 

Facial swelling can recur after a facelift. This often happens when increasing the amount of activity. You should notify your surgeon regardless.

it is unusual to get a lot of swelling 9 weeks after a facelift Looking at your pics, I must say that the appearance is what I would expect at 9 weeks. No intra-oral photos available.
Causes of sudden onset swelling include : Seroma, Abscess, haematoma - all of which would need the input of your surgeon soon,
Hope the issue resolves quickly.
Best
Mark

Rebound swelling can happen post surgery and should heal itself but it is important to see your surgeon for a check in to be sure everything is healing properly. 

During the first six month period following surgery, swelling can appear back and forth as lymphatic drainage can be slow, little by little to complete function. It's best to gently press areas of the face with your fingertips (no message), avoid heavy exercise and alcohol. Miramontes

Thank you for you question and sharing your pictures.However it is not common for the swelling to recur, it is possible , specially if you overdid some days before or, if you did take some alcohol or large amount of salt .Anyway my recommendation will be for you to contact your surgeon , he’ll /she’ll give you the best opinion possible .Take care and best wishes 

Dear Shaunda, I would contact your surgeon and discuss your concerns. If you are out of town then provide the photographs and the scenario you discussed above to your surgeons office so that they can best advise you. You may have a reaction to a suture that is causing some swelling however it is impossible to provide a proper diagnosis without an examination. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.