Facelift Deep Plane 3 Weeks Ago. Skin is Very Dry and Swelling Around Cheeks and Face and Ears is Not Going Down.

Question

Is it normal to have excessively dry skin after deep plane facelift? What can be done to get my old soft skin back? Doc said to put makeup on to go to work but I cannot do that as my skin is so dry that makeup sticks to it and flakes. Will drinking more water help? My swelling is also pretty bad around the cheek, neck, and front of the ear areas. They are painful and I look like a Macy's blowup doll at the parade! What can be done to help the swelling go down in short order?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Swelling can take longer for some patients depending on technique used and individual patient healing factors. Most swelling resolves with time early on. Texture changes to skin might be a result of swelling put extra stretch on skin. Moisturize for dry skin, avoid retinols and peels early on, avoid the sun, and avoid antibiotic ointments. Check with your surgeon soon to see swelling and dryness issues resolve completely.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling and firmness in the tissues will return to normal as time passes by. Between the first and second week, much of your swelling and bruising will dissipate. It may take more than a month or two for your tissues to fully soften and any residual swelling to resolve. Lymphatic massage maybe an option to help clear the swelling and firmness at a faster pace. As far as the dryness and flakiness of the skin, it should resolve as you heal.  Your skin went through a lot of trauma with surgery and is also in the process of healing.  Use strong moisturizers to keep the skin hydrated.  I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Don't lose hope! At three weeks, some swelling and texture changes in the skin are to be expected, particularly with a more extensive facelift. The textures changes are actually part of the swelling -- the skin will be more rigid and less pliable until this resolves. In terms of dryness, an emollient cream as frequently as possible is helpful. I have my patients use Acquaphor. Please stay in touch with your surgeon throughout the healing process.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A deep plane facelift will always produce a great deal of swelling for a few weeks.  The dryness is not uncommon and should be managed conservatively.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Facelift swelling may take a few more weeks to resolve.  The faking skin may due to the tightness of the skin secondary to swelling.  Keeping your skin moisturizes will help.  Minimizing your vigorous activity and sleeping with your head elevated while sleeping may help.

	Dr. ES

Facelift Deep Plane 3 Weeks Ago. Skin is Very Dry and Swelling Around Cheeks and Face and Ears is Not Going Down.

Answers (10)