8 week post op deep plane facelift and lower bleph. Very swollen at temples and jaw. Will ultrasounds help?

Question

Very swollen at temples and side jaw areas and more so on my left side. I get lymphatic messages but it seems I am at a standstill now seeing no improvements in swelling. I read often on this site that ultrasound can help. Can someone be more explicit What type of ultrasound do I seek ? Oh and my lower lip on left side also does not move. Very upsetting !!! Please help !

Guy Cappuccino, MD · Answer

Unfortunately patience is key here.  Time is necessary for edema to resolve.  I am not sure ultrasound will help you but time absolutely will.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

You are having prolonged swelling, and at 8 weeks, there will almost certainly be continued improvement, but the pace of resolution will be so gradual that on a day to day basis you will not see anything. Nerve injuries or stretching are rare, and almost all of them recover, but it can take many months.  At this point, you may benefit from another opinion to make sure nothing is being missed in terms of efforts to promote recovery.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  At 8 weeks post-operatively, you will still have some swelling after your procedure.  This should resolve with time, and depending on the patient, this can take up to 4 to 6 months to see a full resolution.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with you plastic surgeon, and follow up with him/her as scheduled.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling is normal after a deep plane and can last for a bit of time.  Its best to be monitored by your surgeon to make a determination for you what is going on.  Depending upon the depth of your swollen tissues, ultrasound may not help and it may be that only time will resolve the issue.  If you have a marginal mandibular nerve weakness, give that more time to recover as well.  I think time is your best answer.

Mark Prysi, MD · Answer

Postoperative swelling after facelift is typical. After a deep playing facelift it is usually more profound. Had elevation ice and I’m Fattic drainage massage get help dissipate it quicker. However there is a limit to this. I have not found ultrasonic treatments to be particularly effective. Probably the most effective thing to do is giving a short course of steroids.

Robert J. Schutz, MD · Answer

Very sorry you’re having problems with prolonged swelling after surgery. Unfortunately, it is unpredictable who will have  prolong swelling and it is not uncommon for one side to swell more than the other. Limiting flexion of your neck and Keeping your head In a upright position may help improve the swelling sooner. Avoiding high salt diet may also help improve the swelling sooner. Otherwise, it should improve with time and patience. The neurapraxia, even though it is frustrating, should continue to improve with time. Hope things continue to improve and be patient.

8 week post op deep plane facelift and lower bleph. Very swollen at temples and jaw. Will ultrasounds help?

Answers (6)

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