Swelling after facial treatment 4 months after face lift

Unfortunately some patients remain partially swollen for up to a half year after their facial surgery.  The good news is that there is virtually zero chance of anything being "undone" by having a facial massage (or any other normal activity, ie exercise).  You may consider sleeping with your head slightly elevated for the next two months to minimize recollection of edema (swelling).  Having performed over 5000 facelifts over the past decade, I can assure you that the swelling will go away in time. You have not caused any permanent damage. Just be patient and be assured that your results will remain beautiful for years to come.

The recovery will depend in part:on what type of #facelift, #necklift, you are having. additional procedurestype of anaesthesiaagetendency toward bruisingYou are still very early in your postoperative recovery and should give yourself more time for the swelling to resolve. Fluid management is important in managing swelling. Continue to follow-up with your surgeon. 

Thank you for submitting your question.  After several months, you will not alter or damage your result.  The pressure from laying on the massage table prob caused transient swelling.  Discuss your concerns and have an examination with your surgeon.  Best Wishes.

 The swelling may be from big ears massage of your upper trunk and face. Additionally if there were any type of topical soothing agents place they may have induced swelling. You need to see your plastic surgeon as soon as possible for reevaluation. 

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  I think it is very unlikely that there has been any harm done by a massage 4 months after a facelift.  You are still in the healing process and the lymphatic drainage of the facial tissues has likely not returned to normal yet.  I would anticipate resolution of the swelling over the next 24 - 48 hours.  If it does not resolve, then you certainly should follow up with your surgeon for reassurance.  I would suggest that your massage therapist be a little less vigorous in the areas of surgery until the healing is complete.  I hope this information is helpful.

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.Probably the massage was the cause of the swelling, at this point of your post op everything have to be soft yet. I recommend you to rest, cold compresses and some anti inflammatory pills. Hope you get well soon, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Thank you for your question.  I would certainly consult with your surgeon if this swelling does not go down.  However, a massage 4 months after a facelift should be okay to do at that point.  You may want to ask your massage therapist to not be so 'vigorous' next time!  I hope that this helps. -David Gilpin

Hello Khalabegum,If you are concerned nothing beats an in person evaluation with your surgeon. However, by 4 months after surgery the tissue should have pretty much healed where it is supposed to be.  This would make it very difficult to have done any damage.  The body responds to any trauma with swelling so if the massage was on the vigorous side it could cause some swelling.  It doesn't sound like any damage has been done but again you should discuss this with your surgeon to verify.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

Thanks for your question. It's highly unlikely that it may have caused damage. Give it a few days and let it settle down. If not, then visit your plastic surgeon.

I will not be alarmed as a vigorous massage could cause some swelling 4 months after a facelift. It might have been a little too early for that vigorous massage, but things will settle most probably back again in the next 48-72 hours. If you think that they have not in 48 hours, then consult your physician for a little check up.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus Diaz