It is 8 days after my lower face/jowls/neckline surgery. I still can only drink juice or eat soft food. Is this normal? (Photo)

From your limited photos it appears you are healing well and sorry for the discomfort with chewing. It should resolve soon for most. I often recommend sugarless gum after a week is still some discomfort.

Hi, Patsy!  Thanks for your question.  It's not exceptionally uncommon for my patients to have some mild discomfort with eating after a facelift procedure.  The tissues that are lifted and sutured overlie the strong chewing muscles in the cheeks (called the masseters).  As swelling and inflammation resolves, so should the discomfort.  Generally, 80% of the swelling is resolved by the end of the second week.  Use the pain medication as directed by your surgeon and follow the diet recommended.  I tell my patients to follow a no chew or soft diet early on.  If the problem does not improve or worsens, please see your treating surgeon.  I hope you find this information useful, and enjoy your more youthful appearance.  Salud!-Dr. SchmidtAs always, please remember that this response is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a patient-physician relationship.

Thanks for your question, it is not uncommon to experience this. Some surgeons use stiches near an area where some of your muscles attach and it can cause a bit of tightness. It almost always resolves by 2 weeks. Stay positive and keep in touch with your surgeon.Dr Bonaparte

It occasionally happens that you will have discomfort with chewing following facelift surgery.  Usually this is short lived and can easily be addressed with anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen.  If the pain is severe, narcotic medicine can be used.  Once the inflammation has settled down most patients resume a normal diet within 1-2 weeks if not sooner.  It is always best to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Everyone heals at different rates and has different levels of pain after cosmetic surgery, including face/neck lifts.  While I would say that most people would be able to eat regular food within a week after a face/neck lift, it is possible that this could take longer for some people. The picture you provided does not appear to show anything worrisome, but I also do not know the details of your surgery and why you might have severe pain in your jaws.  If you have not already, you could contact your surgeon to be evaluated in person.    

Around one week pain with masticating is normal.  Your right side appears to be healing well.I would continue to follow up and ask questions from your surgeon.I anticipate your discomfort will relsove.

This is quite unusual.  Some discomfort is not uncommon for a few days, but actual pain beyond a day or two is not typical. I don't see anything unusual in your photograph.  Best to discuss this with your surgeon as soon as possible.

Facelifting surgery typically involves tightening and lifting the muscles of facial expression and chewing; this often results in soreness and muscle tightness in the post-operative period.  While every person heals differently, the majority of patients describes resolution of muscle soreness in 1-2 weeks after surgery.  I usually recommend soft foods for 1 week post-operatively to avoid irritating these muscles further.  While your photo does not show worrisome findings, no one is privy to the details of your treatment like your surgeon.  For this reason, you would do well to check in with him/ her for a follow-up.  Good luck in your recovery!

Everyone heals at their own body's pace. If it hurts, we usually recommend to not do it. Maintaining good nutrition with protein is important especially after surgery as the body and the face needs fuel for it to heal. If there is new or worsening pain, it is important to maintain follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon to see if there is another explanation for the pain. Best, MMT

Your result looks good. I expect that your discomfort will be gone by 3 weeks. Of course it is best to see your surgeon and not rely on internet advice.