Is infrared light good after facelift?

Question

I had a facelift and neck lift 5 weeks ago and still have a lot of swelling on my left side where he took a hematoma out. My face is going in the right direction but still lots of swelling . Can inferred light help with healing and swelling

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

I don't believe there is any scientific study to prove that infrared light will help with neck swelling after a hematoma and a facelift, but it shouldn't hurt anything. Infrared light only penetrates a very short distance into the skin, so more than likely, you just need to be patient. Any residual swelling will slowly go away over the next few weeks. Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

is to be expected. As long as the swelling is reducing and not caused by anything treatable then more often than not patience is key. I use various modalities to 'treat' prolonged swelling / hardness / discolouration. These are included in my fees and range from Ultrasound, lymphatic drainage, Pulsd dye laser, infrared light etc. Every surgeon will have their own preference.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is possible to get a hematoma after a facelift, and after this is treated, that side of the face can take longer to heal than the other side.  I am not aware of any scientific data showing that infrared light would be helpful to reduce swelling or help healing after a facelift which involved a hematoma or not.  It most likely is just a matter of time for the swelling to resolve.

Michael E. Kelly, MD · Answer

in my practice, infrared light would not be a recomdnation to help you recove. I think there could be role for pulsed dye laser such as a v beam, if there is persistent redness or bruinsg following treatment of a hematoma. A picture could help determine that.best of luck

Robert J. Smyth, MD · Answer

I have had better success with ultrasound therapy which can penetrate deeper than infrared. But you are still early in the healing process, so patience can also be helpful without any other intervention.

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

You might consider photobiomodulation (PBM) in the area.  This is usually done with a low level light therapy, a laser which may be difficult to find.  Lymphatic massage may also be helpful.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

I am unaware of significant double blind study data that shows improvement in swelling after a FL or edema post hematoma evacuation.  The edema should resolve by itself.Things you may want to d/w your surgeon:1.  Massage2.  Arnica gel3.  Ultrasound assisted massage

FACELIFT PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Is infrared light good after facelift?

Answers (7)

FACELIFT PROVIDERS NEAR YOU