What damage could I have caused by doing gentle massage after SMAS Facelift?

Question

5 days ago I had a SMAS facelift. Yesterday I had the bad idea to gently massage the swollen area on the sides of my face with gentle circular movements. I've made the mistake of not asking my doctor if I could do this. Today, reading this website, I discovered that massage is contraindicated after the surgery. What damage could I have caused with this massage? Is it possible that I've damaged deep sutures, compromising the outcome of my surgery? Fortunately my massage was very gentle.

Marshall T. Partington, MD, FACS · Answer

I/m glad it was gentle.  Tissues are trying to stick down to deeper structures during the early period of healing.  If you didn't stir up bleeding or fluid accumulation, you are probably fine.  Follow your doctor's instructions as they have been down this road before.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

From the description of your massage, I would say it is very unlikely that you did any damage to your face 5 days after your SMAS facelift.  I would recommend following the instructions of your surgeon in your recovery period to give you the best result though.

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Massage after facial surgery is surgeon preference; while some surgeons do not feel it to be beneficial, I generally recommend 3 lymphatic drainage massage treatments after facelift surgery.  These are gentle as well, and promote lymph fluid drainage and speed the resolution of swelling.  Most deep sutures are quite hardy, and several in number.  It is unlikely that a gentle massage will disturb any of them.  This being said, review your surgeon's instructions and keep a close follow-up with him/ her.  Because each surgeon will have slightly different post-operative instructions, your provider is best able to answer your questions and concerns.  Good luck in your recovery!

What damage could I have caused by doing gentle massage after SMAS Facelift?

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What damage could I have caused by doing gentle massage after SMAS Facelift?

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Everything you need to know about SMAS Facelift

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