Cheeks Swelling After Mid-face Lift?

Dear Ann
Both fat transfer and midface surgery are associated with long term swelling. It is not uncommon to see swelling from midface surgery last 3 to 4 months. It is enough to drive both patient and surgeon insane. To my mind, there better be unbelievable improvement to justify this time of long term swelling. The fact of the matter is, many have figured out that you can get better results with next to no down time filling the midface with Restylane and Perlane instead of doing surgery.
Fat transfer is another unsatisfactory approach. It works-don't get me wrong. The problem with it is that it is a set up to feeling like you need more fat transfer. Here is what happens. For two weeks after fat transfer you are horribly bruised and swollen. It isn't until about the second month after the procedure that you begin to think that your surgeon was a genius. Mind you, you are still so very swollen. However, by month 4 or 5 the swelling has resolved. At this point, you will be certain that all the fat has disappeared. Typically what is said is "the fat grafting just did not work."
Careful study of the before and after pictures will prove this to be wrong. Usually 60% of the fat survives. However, the brain is greedy. Our natural focus is "How can I look better." Very few of us think "Gee I am beautiful." Three months from now when you are hot to get more fat in your face, seriously consider having a non surgical Restylane/Perlane treatment.

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling and firmness in the tissues will return to normal as time passes by. Between the first and second week, much of your swelling and bruising will dissipate. It may take more than a month or two for your tissues to fully soften and any residual swelling to resolve. Lymphatic massage maybe an option to help clear the swelling and firmness at a faster pace.  I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time.

Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after a facelift procedure. I would strongly recommend speaking with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your concerns further.