Is it normal for swelling to go up and down when recovering from lower facelift?

Question

I had a lower facelift and lower bleph on Friday. Yesterday, day 5, I was finally feeling some relief from the swelling. I felt like I looked just slightly less swollen so I was feeling good. Then last night I had so many pins and needles in my face (nerves coming back) that I had a hard time getting ANY sleep and the Percocet was not doing a thing. Today I woke up with the worst swelling by far and it worries me that I am going backwards and not forwards. Is this normal?! :(

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have swelling, which will slowly resolve over the next several weeks. I do recommend following up with your surgeon about your concerns. Microneedling can help improve scars. I hope this helps.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is normal for swelling to go up and down for several weeks and even months after surgery. Be sure to sleep with your head elevated and avoid salt. Share your concerns with your surgeon. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be typical. It can take up to six months to see your final results. If you're concerned, I recommend following up with your surgeon. To improve final results, we will often do ultherapy about 4-6 weeks after facelift to get more of an outcome. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is normal to have swelling after any surgery including face lift. It may "go away" and come back and linger for 4-8 weeks. It is necessary to pay attention to your diet during this time; low salt, no MSG, minimal alcohol, no spices. After good dinner in restaurant you may wake up with significant swelling in particular around eyes. Be patient and control your diet. Good luck.

Jason S. Cooper, MD · Answer

It is common to have different degrees of swelling in the first week after a face lift. However, it is not common for swelling to be very significantly worse on post op day 5 compared to post op day 2. Post operation face lift swelling usually gets worse in the first 2-3 days then begins to improve. Swelling at post op day 7 should be much better than post op day 2 or 3. Typically swelling and bruising improves significantly by 2-3 weeks post operation. Laser treatments and fat transfer along with a face lift can add to the degree of swelling and bruising.

Suzanne Yee, MD · Answer

Yes it is normal to have swelling that will come and go after surgery.   Swelling can come and go for several months after surgery but be progressively less over that time.  Also you may have swelling on one side more than another side and this will come and go.
If you are concerned I would contact your surgeon for a follow up.
Thank you for your question.

Andrew G. Silver, MD · Answer

Hello suziecups.Yes, it is absolutely normal to have ups and downs in your swelling after a facelift, or after any surgery for that matter!Keep in close contact with your surgeon... We like to know how our patients are doing!Hope this helps!dr. silver

Is it normal for swelling to go up and down when recovering from lower facelift?

Answers (7)