Cheeks Tingling and Stretching Downward After Facelift?

Question

I'm concerned about a weird tingling, slightly painful feeling I am having in my upper cheeks after Facelift. I see some slight bruising and the cheek muscles feel like they are stretching downward. It hurts to lie on my side in bed.  And perhaps its my imagination, but I see slight jowls again if i hold my head a certain way. My husband swears he sees nothing.  But my concern is this tingling pain in my cheeks and I wonder if my cheeks are sliding down their original position as the sutures dissolve?

Matthew Schulman, MD · Answer

From your description about the presence of bruising, I am guessing that your facelift was done within the past few weeks. During this early healing period, it is normal to have tingling (as nerves regrow) that can last months. The cheek changes and jowls that you describe may be the result of the resolving swelling (edema). Immediately after a facelift, you are very swollen and your face will seem very tight and maybe even pulled too tight. As the swelling goes down, your face will begin to take a more natural shape - this may be why you feel like your cheeks are dropping and your jowls are reappearing. You should discuss these concerns with your surgeon who should be able discuss this with you.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You didn't mention how long after your surgery you are. Pain after surgery is normal, and it is generally well controlled by medication prescribed by your surgeon. If you are concerned about the level of pain you're experiencing, it's safer for you to see your surgeon just in case.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after surgery. Please keep in touch with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your ongoing concerns.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

My first question is how long ago was your facelift? If ithas been in the last four to six months, then normal healing with nerves coming back is very normal. The face does relax after a facelift as the swelling comes down. The is normal. You will see fullness in the jowl area if you bend your neck downward. All needs to be evaluated in a neutral position.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Tingling after a facelift typically occurs around the ear area and less commonly around the midface area. Tingling can be a sign of regrowth of tiny unnamed nerves and can take between one month to sometimes a year in select cases.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

This is part of healing and can be there for several months. Done properly, it will not fall to the original position, and those feelings will go away.

Cheeks Tingling and Stretching Downward After Facelift?

Answers (12)