Vertical ridges after facelift? (Photos)

Question

I am 15 days post-op from a facelift. I am concerned about the vertical ridges that appeared on both sides of my face a couple of days after surgery. I thought I might see some improvement in the appearance of the ridges, but they look the same as they did 12 days ago. What might cause such ridges and should I be worried? My ps told me the ridges are a "different type" of swelling and would take a while to resolve. But he did not tell me what causes them.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

The swelling you are seeing is at the end of the skin dissection that was done. This can happen and will improve, especially by 3 weeks so definately give it time to go down and follow up with your surgeon for any recommendations. Most patients are presentable by about 2 weeks after a facelift and some can take longer- you fall into the 'longer' category. Your surgeon will guide you throughout the healing process and the good news is that most of the swelling usually always goes down- it will require some more time and patience before you can assess the final results.

Timothy Treece, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello ShirinJane, I tend to agree with the other Surgeons on this site. You are seeing is some swelling at the point where tissue was sutured. You are still very young in your recovery period.  You will see improvement with time. Stay in contact and follow the advice of your surgeon. I am assuming that you are being cared for by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Jeffrey R. Raval, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

Hello and great question. This ridging you are seeing is a result of where your sutures were placed. It is all typical swelling that should go down within 3 weeks. I would try to be patient and follow-up with your surgeon at that time.

John V. Williams, MD · Answer

The skin is detached from the underlying deep tissue ie muscle\fascial layer and then the deep tissue is pulled up with sutures.  If the overlying skin is not fully detached from where the the deep tissue is sutured the the skin will be adherent to this sutured are and cause a ridge between the skin that has been released and the skin that is adherent to the deep tissue. This should resolve  over a few week. If it doesn't then it is very simple to further release the skin over this ridge.

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

What you are seeing is some swelling at the point where the deep tissue plane was grasped with the sutures. This is how the lift is created and the temporary swelling at this point in your recovery is normal. This will improve with time. Be sure to keep in touch with your surgeon for any concerns.

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

This is a little different type of bruising and swelling that one normally sees after facelifts, but I would tend to agree with your Plastic Surgeon who performed the surgery.  He or she should be in a good position to judge this properly for you. Best to follow your doctor's opinion at this time.Good luck o you.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

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