What and why do I have wavy/rippled place on face after Facelift?

In the absence of photos, I will defer to your surgeon. It's good that your surgeon has been honest enough to express concern, and it's also important that in their clinical judgement it may heal well.In any case, 5 weeks post-op is too soon for any intervention. There are a multitude of ways to address imperfections without further surgery. This early in the post-op period, I would be patient. Try not to freak out. :) I hear where you are coming from...but a good surgeon can fix most things that aren't perfect, and more often than not, your body does it even better. The numbness may be normal and will likely resolve.The first weeks are the primary recover phase (as I am sure you know) but the two months after facelift are not always easy--for any patient. There's still some healing to be done.

Some surgeons use artificial material to support a facelift. This can create contour abnormalities. You might ask your plastic surgeon if this is the case.

Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after a facelift procedure.  I would strongly recommend speaking with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your concerns further.

The "fat and somewhat numb" feeling is perfectly normal at this time in your facelift recovery, and sensation will not reach its maximum regeneration for up to 6-12 months. The indentation or "impression form the drain" may be exactly that, but should be mostly settled by this time.Gentle massage may be all that is necessary, but continue to follow up with your surgeon, who wants this to settle as much as you do. Being concerned is an absolutely appropriate attitude from your surgeon, and I too think this will heal on its own, even without seeing you or a photo.I certainly don't believe you should be "freaking out." Even though this line you see is a bit unusual for 5 weeks' healing, residual swelling or blood/serum along your drain tract or adjacent to it could indeed cause what you are describing. Follow your surgeon's directions and relax. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

some folds can develop and can be due to swelling, or some deep sutures etc.  At 5 weeks you don't see the final results so I wouldn't be worried and I don't think you need to be freaking out.   A gentle massage may help speed up the healing.

Thank you for the questions. It is still quite early in the healing process, but I understand your concern. It seems like part of flap that was lifted became tethered to the deeper tissues. This could be from a suture or from some scar tissue. It is important to follow up closely with your surgeon. If you are unsure that the right steps are being taken, I would get a second opinion from a board certified surgeon specializing in facelift.

Photos would help responding to your concerns. Having said that, the previous responders have addressed all the pertinent issues. You need to discuss your concerns with your PS as he is the best to know exactly what technique he used. Of course, if you still feel that there are unanswered questions then a second opinion is another option.

There are many different surgical techniques used to accomplish a facelift. Healing times can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and can last several months. Many patients are not prepared for the early post-operative appearance and need lots of reassurance during the healing process. Your surgeon is in the best position to advise you so stay in touch and communicate your concerns. Best of luck!

Redundancy
of skin with rippling and irregularity following a facelift may be due to
insufficient elasticity of the skin with stretch relaxation over months to
years following surgery.

There is a healing process that takes place after any
operation and a facelift is no exception.I am often asked the question, “when will I be healed after the surgery?”
Although sutures may be removed at a week or so,  true and “final” healing is
another story and could take some serious further time beyond 5 weeks and the healing endpoint may not happen all
at once.

What is going on with you could be a function of what was
done externally to your skin during the facelift or what was done
internally. Did you have laser
resurfacing perhaps at the time of the surgery? Did your plastic surgeon use internal permanent sutures or dissolving ribbons to tighten
your facial muscles?The latter could
also give the appearance of a wavy rippling within the skin.  A drain tract as well might leave a similar appearance for sometime but fortunately is not likely to last much longer.  As for the numbness, its an expected result due to the wide undermining of skin and swelling post-op but all that you are experiencing seems to come with normal recovery after facelift surgery.  Discuss the specifics of your "claw mark" concern with your plastic surgeon. There is likely a logical explanation that your doctor could conclude for you.