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

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.

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.

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.