Eyelids swollen shut after facelift. Have been using cold compresses. No help. What to do? (Photo)

Please discuss with your surgeon.  I have a very open line of communication with my patients, and when questions like this pop up, it makes me realize that that isn't the case for everyone.  Sometimes, especially when work is done to the brow or temporal area, the eyes may bruise and swelling in a significant manner.  This will subside with time.   Good luck with the remainder of your recovery!

Maintain an upright position and be patient. Swelling will go down. Excessive talking or high blood pressure can prolong swelling. Take it easy and follow your surgeon's guidelines. Kind regards,

 Following eyelid surgery and facelift surgery there can be varying degrees of swelling. Depending on the techniques used and the procedures performed, the swelling can be different for each individual. eyelid swelling can also be impressive when Brow lifting is performed as well. The best thing to do is keep the head elevated,  and cool compresses can be helpful. It is best to discuss your concerns with your surgeon for recommendations  that would be most appropriate for you. Over the course of a few days the swelling should subside and you will begin to see  that things will return to a natural state. Best regards. 

I appears that you had a brow lift and/or eyelid surgery.  Use cold compresses and head elevation the first two days. After that time will cure all. 

Hello John Girdler,Depending on what all is done, there can be some impressive swelling with surgical procedures.  The more procedures that are done at once, the more you are going to swell.  If you had only a facelift it is certainly on the rare side to have enough swelling to make your eyes close.  Time and staying upright will help with the swelling.  You can also sometimes squeeze out some of the swelling but this should only be done at the direction of your surgeon.  I'd recommend you contact your surgeon to see if he or she has any recommendations at this time.I hope this helps and good luck. 

Eyelid swelling, even to the point of being swollen shut, can happen after facial rejuvenation surgery especially if eyelid procedures were performed. This usually resolves with time alone with no intervention needed, however, I understand this can be uncomfortable. First of all, I would always recommend communicating with your surgeon and letting him/her now your current statues. Beyond that I would continue the cold compresses and keep your head of bed elevated or sleep in a recliner. If it is severe enough, your surgeon may elect to start you on a short course of steroids which would help improve the swelling faster. As stated early, usually time and supportive measures is all you'll need. Hang in there! It gets better. 
Enjoy your results!
Dr. M

Although swelling can vary based on the procedure and from individula to individual, this degree of swelling is not unusual following facelift surgery.  Make sure you keep your head elevated, use ice, and contact your surgeon woth any questions or concerns.  Good luck

It is obvious that you had not only a facelift but an upper and lower blepharoplasty. It is the latter that has caused the swelling shut of the eyelids. This should have been something you expected from your preoperative information from your surgeon. The swelling will dissipate within a day or so. If you keep applying the ice and your head elevated it will go down faster. 

While not EVERY patient has this severe of eye swelling after face lift, it can certainly happen. Especially if you had brow or eyelid surgery along with it. I tell patients, it is generally normal to look like you've been in a boxing match for a good week, then things start getting better. It's a fantastic operation...yes you pay the price for a week. Congratulations on the facelift!