I am 13 weeks post facelift. I have swollen areas in front of both my ears that extends below ear? (Photo)

Thank you for a great question and for sharing your experience and photos.  Typically swelling would be improving at this stage, but every patient is different and sometimes it lasts much longer than anticipated.   Try to be patient and follow up with your surgeon closely.  I hope you find this helpful. Best wishes!Consult with a Board Certified Fellowship Trained Facial Plastic Surgery Specialist."This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Hello, Thank you for your question. It is common to experience swelling. Swelling is typically resolved at 6 months; however, may take up to 12 months.Should your swelling persist longer than 6 months, I'd recommend booking a follow-up appointment with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your concerns. Take care. 

Without preoperative photographs it's impossible to tell the magnitude of your swelling. Certainly a hematoma will exacerbate and prolonged swelling. Some patients seem to hang onto swelling more than others. This is common in patients that have rosacea. It's fortune however that swelling will eventually resolve although I understand your impatience with your own situation.

 From your photographs there appears to be significantly more swelling in the right aspect of your face then the left. If there was no response at all to the steroid dose pack, then persistent swelling may not be the underlying issue. It would be unusual for there to be a delayed hematoma this long after your initial procedure.  It is possible that there could be damage to the underlying parotid gland. Ultrasound could help evaluate this area.  Conservative treatments such as lymphatic massage, head elevation, and anti-inflammatories may help and have very few downsides. I would follow up closely with your plastic surgeon 

If your at 3 months post op I would consider a salivary cyst originating in the underlying parotid salivary gland.   This would require surgical management. Consider with your plastic surgeon.