19 days after long incision facelift and I see the same sag. I'm assuming it's going to stay this way? (Photo)

Question

I had a full face and neck lift 19 days ago. Incisions are from the top of my ears and near my temples in the hairline vertically and ones in front of my ears into my hairline horizontally. I was adamant I wanted dramatic results. My cheeks and neck are still swollen, yet I can see the same type of sagging issues. When swelling goes down there is even more sagging. The last photo was just before surgery. Why is it still like this? I had a spot on my cheek that didn't move backwards toward my ear very far.

Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I understand your concerns.  Getting a facelift can be a very stressful experience and it is only natural to expect the results to be immediately obvious.  However, one has to remember that there is quite a bit of healing happening after a facelift and this healing will take time.  When patients begin to examine their face in the immediate postoperative period many feel a bit disappointed.  The face does not appear looking quite as good as they have expected.  However, as the healing process continues, the swelling goes down and the soft tissue settles into its new position all the positive changes of a facelift become a lot more apparent. At 19 days after a facelift you are still in early stages of a healing process. I would caution you against getting disappointed with your results so soon after the procedure. Try to suspending your judgement for now and waiting for at least another two month before critically evaluating your results.Best wishes!Dr. Konstantin

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry that you are having these concerns after your surgery.  At this point, you are still quite early in your recovery process, and you will still have quite a bit of swelling.  With time this swelling will subside, and you should be able to see the results of your face and neck lift.  This can take anywhere from 4-6 months. I would certainly discuss your concerns with your surgeon, as well.  Be sure to follow his/her post-operative instructions as you heal. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

It's really hard to comment on another Surgeon's work so early in the recovery process, although I do see improvement in the jowls at this point.  I strongly encourage you to see your Surgeon for reassurance and follow up, because only he/she knows the extent of the procedure performed.  The length of the incision does not necessarily correlate with the amount of undermining and securing of the SMAS layer, which is the foundation of a facelift procedure.

Michael Eisemann, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Swelling is one of the biggest side effects of a facelift procedure and can take six months or more to subside completely. While your face continues to heal, you may not notice a dramatic improvement in your appearance. Based on your photos, it does appear that your procedure has eliminated the appearance of jowls from your front profile and reduced some of your nasolabial folds.

For now, your best option is to schedule a follow-up consultation with your plastic surgeon and continue letting your body heal. Your surgeon will be able to evaluate your face and monitor your swelling to ensure you experience optimal results from your facelift. Hope this helps!
Michael Eisemann M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
Houston, Texas

Michael H. Wojtanowski, MD · Answer

It isnwas too premature to asssess your final result after surgery which was Just over two weeks ago. Having surgery is not like getting a haircut , beucase of the prolonged healing process. It is important to be patient and wait at least 3-6 months before you’re judge your results . Also , you should make your surgeon aware of your concerns as well. 
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19 days after long incision facelift and I see the same sag. I'm assuming it's going to stay this way? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Postoperative Facelift Concerns

Answer: Postoperative Facelift Concerns

Answer: Sagg8ng after facelift

Answer: Sagg8ng after facelift

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19 days after long incision facelift and I see the same sag. I'm assuming it's going to stay this way? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Postoperative Facelift Concerns

Answer: Postoperative Facelift Concerns

Answer: Sagg8ng after facelift

Answer: Sagg8ng after facelift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.