How long should I used ice pads post SMAS facelift? (photo)

These are issues you need to speak to your facelift surgeon about as everyone has different protocols; generally I like warm compresses starting 3-4 days after surgery.

Swelling and numbness after a SMAS lift can last for several weeks. Using ice will often help minimize swelling. Many surgeons will do facial fat injections at the same time, so the swelling can be even more dramatic and take longer to resolve. By 3-4 weeks, you should expect most of the swelling to resolve. Being just 4 days post-op, swelling and numbness are common. Numbness can last for several months.  More swelling on one side is common, but usually resolves with time. Good luck.

Post-operative advice differs from surgeon to surgeon. Cold compresses are sometimes preferable to ice packs because they produce less rebound circulation and associated swelling. They are also less likely to produce damage to the skin flaps. The amount of swelling, although scary is within normal range for a facelift and necklift procedure and you can expect a very good long term result. The skin elasticity will be sufficient to return to a good relationship with the SMAS layer that has been the main structure to support the changes. 

It is normal to have swelling after facelift for 3-6 weeks.   I'm not a big fan of ice over the skin because ice can decrease blood flow to the skin--which is not good.  Ice can help somewhat with swelling and pain, but you need to be very careful with using too much ice.  There are strict protocols for using ice on the skin (example:  15 min on per hour, with a protective layer over the skin).   You appear to be healing nicely.  Good luck!

You look great!  Looking right on track for 4 days po. Swelling and bruising typically set in the most through day 3 post op. We encourage out patients to ice routinely at least for the first 3 days po and many of our facial aesthetic patients appreciate icing for the entire first week. Due to soft tissue swelling, your face will feel 'hard/firm' for a number of weeks. 

Every surgeon has their own recommendations regarding post-operative care after a facelift. My patients are instructed to use cold compresses (not ice packs) for no more than 48 hours after surgery. After this point, I don't see much benefit in using them, and don't want to delay the healing process. In most cases, bruising and swelling simply takes time to resolve.
All the best,

Thank you for your question.Here is a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” in my opinion I would advise my patients to help recovery:Do use a cool pack on the incisions as this will help reduce any residual fullness.Do continue with painkillers if required, as around 5% of patients will have some ear pain which will settle within a week or two. Do shower and hair wash daily.Do resume normal activities however avoid vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for 2 weeks post procedure.Don’t apply any make up, moisturiser or oils to the incision line until advised by us. Don’t allow pets of any variety to share a bed with you and avoid allowing pets near your face for the first four weeks after your procedure. Allowing pets near your face has the potential to result in an infection. However being vigilant will help reduce this risk.Do be vigilant with hand hygiene.Do notify us immediately if you have any concerns or notice any increased redness, heat around the incision or if you have any discharge from around the ear.Once you have seen your plastic surgeon for your follow up, they may advise on when you can start massaging the incision areas and the best technique to use. They may recommend the use of scar improvement oils such as Bio-oil.All the Best with your recovery!

Throughout the #facelift #healing process you should be seen frequently by your doctor and one of their registered nurses to ensure you are following instructions properly and your recovery is going well. The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. Ice can certainly help reduce the swelling.#Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen.If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Swelling after a facelift increases for the first 3-4 days, then plateaus for a day or two, and by the time you return to have your stitches out, you will notice the swelling is improving.  Swelling and bruising usually takes 12-14 days to resolve, though there are people who take longer or shorter to recover.  Every patient bruises differently and bruising can be asymmetric as can swelling.

Thank you for your question for sharing your experience and photos with us. Your swelling appears very normal at this point after surgery.  Your 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. I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time.