Massage of neck and face after a SMAS lift?

Question

Does massage after a facelift help, or does daily massage cause laxity earlier than if I don't do anything (other than moisturizer and sunscreen)? I am 3+ months post facelift and very happy with the result. I want it to last as long as possible. Thank you.

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.I do not recommend massaging for my routine facelift and especially not during the first 4-6 weeks if fat grafting was performed at the same time.  I routinely recommend volume replacement (fat transfer) with my facelift procedures.  If after 6 weeks there is still swelling or small skin surface irregularities, then massaging (upward and backward) is performed by my assistants, in office, under medical supervision.For the non fat grafting procedure, I will initiate gentle soft tissue massage 2 weeks post-op to help with residual bruising and edema (swelling), when present.  It helps the ecchymoses to resolve more quickly.  It also helps the dissolving sutures to dissolve slowly.  Again, many of our facelift patients do not require this manoeuver but when performed, it should be done by someone recommended by your plastic surgeon.That being said, at 3 months and if you are happy with the results, massaging will not make your facelift results last longer, yet, it will also not compromise your results.Best regards.

Andrew P. Trussler, MD · Answer

Long term restrictions after a facelift are individual and surgeon specific. Massage restrictions may relate to the type of SMAS facelift and type of neck procedure. Consulting with your plastic surgeon may help direct care including massage, but in general the areas of SMAS fixation should be healed and stable enough for massage.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I do not recommend massage of the face or neck after a facelift unless there are specific lumps/bumps, or folds that need to be smoother.  Speak to your plastic surgeon

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question.  Massgae will not improve ypur reuslt or casue laxity.  If ypur happy with ypur result, routine skin care is all that is needed.  Discuss ypur questions with ypur surgeon and follow his recommendatins.

Paul W. Papillion, MD · Answer

Hello, I am unaware of any information or literature that indicates massage helps to prolong the results of a facelift. I would feel that if you are pushing and pulling the tissues with daily massage...it could actually lead to loosing of the result as oppose to helping...but thats my opinion. I would recommend daily skin care, in addition to sunscreen, Retin A has been shown to be beneficial for long term treatment of fine lines and wrinkles.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Massage is good for lumps, but I do not usually recommend massage as a routine practice.  Good luck..

Mark T. Boschert, MD · Answer

Massage can be helpful to soften and bumps in the areas of he face but only in the upward direction.  Once you look good and are soft the massage is not necessary. Good Luck!

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Hi Rose7360, in my experience massage won't compromise the facelift results, however it most likely won't provide much benefit either. I like to keep things as simple as possible. I would just stick to a good skin care and sun protection plan and healthy living. That being said, make sure to follow the post-op recommendations of your surgeon.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Massage after a facelift can be helpful if there are small lumps bumps or irregularities in the skin.  However be sure to do your massage in an upward direction.  Avoid downward pulling on the facial skin.If however you're happy with the results of your facelift  and the skin does not have any irregularities then massage is unnecessary.Avoidance of Sun, Hyaluronic Acid Based Moisturizers, the Use of Sunblock, Avoiding Nicotine, and Professional Micro-Dermabrasion Can All Help Preserve Your Result.

Massage of neck and face after a SMAS lift?

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