Is it normal to still have 15-20% swelling in lower cheeks/jowls 11 months after facelift, necklift, browlift and fat grafts?

Your healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during surgery, small sensory #nerves are cut. Varying degrees of numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. This typically recovers fully in the months after surgery. 

As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek after a facelift. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. 

Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply. The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

It is highly unusual for patients to have swelling 11 months after facial surgery. I would recommend that you take some pictures and have a discussion with your surgeon.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Thank you for the great question. Some persistent swelling after facial rejuvenation surgery is quite common. This is especially true when there has been fat grafting performed at the same time. It is common to have small amount of swelling (fluid retention) for months. There may be some techniques to help with this. In my practice, we will use an RF device in some cases to heat up the areas and encourage fluid resorption. In some cases of isolated swelling or thickness, a small cortisone shot may be helpful. In rare cases, and when medically appropriate, I will prescribe a low-dose diuretic also. It is important to stay in touch with your surgeon throughout this process. Best of luck and take care!

Dear Katherine1333Thank you for your question and I am sorry that you have concerns.  The early changes post op are in the 1st week to a month.  The next 3 to 4 months you will continue to improve noticeably, and changes can happen up to 1.5 years! Some supplements can help with swelling , sometimes early oral steroids can push things along.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Hello,

The average recovery time following surgery takes about 6-9 months until achieving your final results. However, this depends on the individual patient and can take over 2 years in some rare cases. When you sleep, there is a relatively higher blood pressure in your face because of your body position. This in turn can increase the swelling in your face and might have nothing to do with your surgery. If these swellings are very significant, you should see a doctor to exclude other problems such as heart problems, kidney problems or liver problems.

Whenever we give a patient a timeline for recovery, it's always general. Most patients heal within 6 months. However, some, such as yourself, can take up to a year. It makes sense that you would be most swollen in the morning. We all are. Stay in contact with your surgeon so that he or she can monitor your progress. 

Fluctuating swelling after facelift is expected but it is unusual to last to the 1 year mark. It sounds like the changes are subtle but noticeable. Of course, everyface is more swollen in the morning as you are lying down overnight but shouldn't be very noticeable. Discuss it with your surgeon to make sure everything is healing well. There is probably no intervention needed. Best Wishes

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear about your prolonged swelling.  While swelling at 11 months is possible, it is not the norm with most face-lift patients but the exception.  Unfortunately, it is often difficult to determine the exact cause of the swelling but certain medical situations can exacerbate the situation. I would recommend keeping a careful log of supplements, medications, activities and try to figure out if there are any situations that my improve or worsen your condition.  I would also recommend discussing this issue further with your surgeon.  He/She would definitely be interested in helping you to address this issue until it resolves.  The good news is that eventually the swelling subsides as the tissues heal themselves.  Best wishes on your recovery.

Katherine1333,

The swelling pattern you describe is part of the normal healing process of the body.  The procedure, our genetics, and underlying anatomy determines the way we heal, and it is difficult to predict.  As a general rule it takes about 6 months for the majority of the swelling to dissipate, and you may even experience some residual swelling for over a year. 

You may want to consider getting lymphatic drainage to the facial area to help reduce the amount of swelling.  Best of luck!

Sorry to hear of your predicament but thanks for the question.  The #combination of facelift, necklift, browlift and fat grafts is almost the "final exam" in facial rejuvenation.  Understanding how the different layers are separated, repaired and augmented, the arterial and venous circulation reconnects fairly quickly, however the thin, unnamed lymphatic vessels are variable in how soon they reconnect.  The lymphatic system clears "fluid", which isn't in blood vessels and is apparent in leg swelling after a 5 hour flight from NY to LA.  Your history of worse appearance in the morning with progressive clearing by day's end is entirely consistent with this theory.  Occasionally I will refer my facelift patients for lymphatic drainage to a certified massage therapist.  Ask your PS, (s)/he may have a reference.  Good luck.