Cheeks Swelling After Mid-face Lift?

Question

I had cheek implants 4 years and I have been happy with these. My eyes looked very hollow though and a fat transfer was performed 25 days ago to remedy this. I also had a Mid-face lift. Right now my cheeks are massive. I am really frighten that they are still so huge after 25 days and I'm beginning to doubt if the result will be natural or normal. I can't yet interact socially as I look monstrous. Is this swelling? My surgeon said that the result will be normal but I would really appreciate some other input. Will I look natural in 6-8 weeks?

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

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.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

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.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Swelling following facelift surgery
varies from patient to patient and depends on the surgical technique and wound
healing characteristics of the patient. 
The majority of swelling usually resolves in about two weeks following
facelift surgery.  At this point,
most patients can return to work and resume normal activities.  In most cases, total resolution takes
about three months.  In rare cases,
swelling may persist for up to a year following surgery.

It’s important to realize that more
aggressive facelift procedures cause more swelling, which can last for longer
periods of time.  Both facial fat
transfers and midface lifts would fall into this category.

Elevation of the head and decreased
salt intake may help to decrease swelling after surgery.  In most cases,
some swelling is normal following surgery, but persistent or extreme swelling
should be evaluated by your surgeon.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

I'm sure it will lessened in the next 4 weeks if it is only swelling. You may wish to get a second opinion tor peace of mind.

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Cheeks Swelling After Mid-face Lift?

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Answer: Swelling Following Facelift

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Answer: I can't say without seeing the photo.

Answer: I can't say without seeing the photo.

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