5 weeks post op, lower facelift, neck lift/w liposuction. Will things firm up more as I heal? (Photos)

Question

After my surgery, same day, compression garment was removed and I was told I did not need one. Now, I am 5 weeks out, going on 6 weeks, and my jawline, jowls and neck look worse than before the surgery. I am concerned, is this part of the healing process? I was tighter and look good after the surgery, now it looks like everything is loosening back up. Indentation under chin looks worse too. I am going to be 60 next month. My surgeon is board certified. Is it maybe skin quality?

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

At 5-6 weeks postop, most patients are typically thrilled with their results. There is still healing that is occurring at this phase, however, the appearance tends to be pleasing. There is a possibility of a delay in your healing, but without knowing the details of your procedure and examining you in person, it is hard to tell if there is an underlying reason for your concerns. It is important to follow up with your surgeon to be examined and discuss this.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you remain patient and follow the recovery guidelines until you are fully healed. Please consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon because your surgeon may recommend some light lasering after the procedure as part of a post-recovery touch-up. 
Best wishes,

Dirk Kremer, MD · Answer

I totally understand your concerns! Your neck right after the surgery looks much better than after 5 weeks. It seems that you must have swollen more than expected. After my face- or necklifts I usually don't use garments. A bandage is removed after the first night. However, if I combine these procedures with a liposuction I have my patients wear a chin strap/garment for the first 5 days. The first three days are swelling phase and I want to avoid my patients to swell up too much without a garment and the skin in the treated neck region to be over stretched. Once you are swollen the swelling can take 6 weeks to subside. A garment would be helpful to make the skin 'remember' to tighten during this time.
I would recommend you to see your plastic surgeon to check how much swelling there still is. It might be worth starting to wear a pressure garment. You must wait until all swelling has subsided before making a decision to maybe undergo a revision necklift. Stay strong!! There is always a solution.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

You seem to have become looser between week 3 and week 5. You should probably follow with your surgeon to check for a fluid collection.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  Because there are many details that go into a neck and lower facelift I would reach out to your surgeon to discuss your results. I would be concerned about a possible fluid collection or continued loose skin as your results are not typical for six weeks after surgery.  Hope this helps.

5 weeks post op, lower facelift, neck lift/w liposuction. Will things firm up more as I heal? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Follow with your surgeon

Answer: Follow with your surgeon

Answer: 5 weeks postop, lower facelift, necklift w/liposuction. Will things firm up?

Answer: 5 weeks postop, lower facelift, necklift w/liposuction. Will things firm up?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

5 weeks post op, lower facelift, neck lift/w liposuction. Will things firm up more as I heal? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Follow with your surgeon

Answer: Follow with your surgeon

Answer: 5 weeks postop, lower facelift, necklift w/liposuction. Will things firm up?

Answer: 5 weeks postop, lower facelift, necklift w/liposuction. Will things firm up?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.