Hard cheeks after midface lift?

Question

I had a midface lift 2 weeks ago and I know it's early and I need to be patient but I'm wondering how long my cheeks will be hard as rocks. Also, my lower face looks gaunt now and I'm wondering if I should add a little bit of filler at my one month post op to blend in the cheeks and create balance. My surgeon said most of the swelling is gone in the cheeks usually by one month. What do you think?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling and contour irregularities may be present for weeks after a facelift, depending on the technique.  As the swelling resolves you will feel less tightness and, if your facelift was done well, will begin to look more natural.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

This is difficult to answer without an in-person evaluation. I recommend following up with your surgeon about your concerns. It is still too soon for your final results. You may still have some swelling, which will slowly resolve over the next several weeks. I hope this helps.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Kristin.  I appreciate your concern but it is too early to think about any fillers because there is most certainly swelling still present.  The firmness should also settle down with time. Try to stay patient and allow yourself to heal and follow up with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

It seems that your recovery after surgery is going okay. After two days, the swelling is at a maximum and then starts getting better. 
To answer your one question, yes usually it is not uncommon for things to be swollen after a facelift. Usually it's worse the first week but gets better every week. I know it's hard to be patient after surgery.
If it does not settle, you can undergo corrective surgery with additional surgery.  I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of facelifts if you want a second opinion and of course, make sure you follow up with your own surgeon and talk about this if you have concerns that linger. 
I hope this helps and wish you all the best in your surgery and event. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

Samuel Lin, MD, FACS · Answer

At 2 weeks there is likely swelling present and I would followup with your surgeon...  Facial fillers may address other areas but it is important to understand the longevity of the filler

Hard cheeks after midface lift?

Answers (7)

Answer: It is common for things to be swollen and sometimes hard after a mid facelift but that usually gets better

Answer: It is common for things to be swollen and sometimes hard after a mid facelift but that usually gets better

Answer: Postoperative recovery

Answer: Postoperative recovery

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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Hard cheeks after midface lift?

Answers (7)

Answer: It is common for things to be swollen and sometimes hard after a mid facelift but that usually gets better

Answer: It is common for things to be swollen and sometimes hard after a mid facelift but that usually gets better

Answer: Postoperative recovery

Answer: Postoperative recovery

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.