How long after a facelift will I continue to swell at night?

Question

i had a mid face lift 3 weeks ago. For the most part the swelling is like 75% resolved during the day however at night I experience painful swelling that keeps me awake. If I don't keep my head elevated I get hard pockets of swelling that I then have to reduce the following day with ibuprofen and warm compresses . How long is this going to go on? I haven't gotten a decent night sleep in three weeks ! I'm exhausted

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

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 recovery and I would give yourself an additional 2-3 weeks for the swelling to completely resolve. Avoid salty foods that can cause fluid retention.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon to experience a swelling increase when laying down- at night and in the morning, even for a few more weeks. Many of my patients find it helpful to elevate the head of bed with books under bed legs or stiff couch cushions under head of mattress to gently elevate without bending the neck.I recommend that you let your Plastic Surgeon know how you are doing, that you are still having pain and poor sleep. They will be able to recommend steps to take and reassure you.All the best

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Sorry to hear you haven't been able to get much rest! However it should be better within a few weeks at most. Most of my patients are able to see the final results of their procedure within a few months. Hang in there! If the pain becomes too much, consult with your plastic surgeon to find a healthy short term solution.

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question and concern.  Without doubt, the recurring swelling will resolve in time.  You may want to try sleeping with your head elevated even more than you currently are (perhaps greater than 45 degrees).  Sleeping in a recliner (if you have one) may not be a bad idea for another few weeks.  Additionally, since the ibuprofen seems to help you, I would suggest taking 600 mg right before bedtime.  Lastly, you may want to consider a low dose of benedryl to help sleep at night.  It is non-addicting and can be used safely for a few weeks if need be.  Good luck!

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Good question. Swelling like this is not that uncommon and can last up to 3 months in most. Everyone is a little different though so it may last longer in some. If you are concerned then speak with your surgeon for reassurance that everything is healing according to plan. Hope that helps!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling post surgery of facelift depends on the surgery complexity, also in my practice i always individualize each patient. Generally the swelling stays the first month.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. Thanks for your question and I would like to clarify that it sounds like you had a midfacelift. I rarely do them as there is prolonged swelling associated with this procedure- (6-8 weeks) instead I perform autologous fat transfer to the mid face to achieve the same results. Swelling agter a facelift usually peaks at 3-4 days and subsides significantly by 7-10 days. If you are experiencing episodes of painful swelling after a mid facelift, consult your surgeon as to what to do.

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  Facial swelling after a midface lift can take 6 - 8 weeks, and longer in some cases, to resolve.  The swelling worsens when you lie down, because the fluids of your body shift more toward the face and neck in a supine position.  Keep your head elevated and gravity will remain in your favor to minimize the swelling during sleep.  I would anticipate continued improvement with each week.  Continue to be patient with the healing process.  Pain is not generally expected this far out from surgery.  I would encourage you to follow up with your surgeon, express your concerns, and allow him to make sure all is healing well.  I wish you the best in your recovery process.  I hope this information is helpful.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The swelling of a facelift will go up and down during certain time of a the day for possibly a few months.  It will gradually recede, but it varies from person to oerson regarding how long it will take overall.

J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, FACS · Answer

As you have noticed, most of the swelling is improved enough to allow you to manage during the day.  However, deeper midface surgery can have some swelling intermittently for several months.  Don't become to anxious about this, as it will eventually go away.  Lymphatic massage may be helpful

How long after a facelift will I continue to swell at night?

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