Lateral sweep or just swelling? Distinct/line indent. No change over last week, but only 3.5 weeks post facelift. (photos)

Hi. Thanks for posting your questions and photos.
It is not uncommon to have some skin and contour irregularities in the first few months after a facelift. There is frequently uneven tension levels on different parts of the skin closure, and also in the deeper layers of the face, where tightening sutures may have been placed.
This should settle in time, as the tissue softens.
All the very best.
Dr Ray Goh

Most likely this will resolve, ask your surgeon whether she recommends massaging the area or applying any warm or cold compress to the area to help it resolve quickergive it another few months and then see what it does- and follow your surgeons suggestions

This is commonly seen in facial rejuvenation surgery when the surgeon has either overdone the skin undermining or had too much skin tension or superior skin shifting in the cheek without correction of the deep SMAS layers .  This is also seen more frequently in patients that have not had fat augmentation with the Facelift surgery.  The key is to find a true facelift expert who understands the science of facial aging and does this procedure frequently and can show you exceptional results and has expertise in this area by teaching others and publishing on this topic.  Make sure they are a board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon.

Thank you for the question. These bands are likely related to swelling/edema and usually resolve as the healing continues. They may go on and become indurated and form bands of scar tissue under the skin. Your surgeon may initiate lymphatic massage and sometimes steroid injection to soften them up. Specific management plan is made by your surgeon on a case by case basis.  It's important that you see your surgeon frequently. Best!Pej Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Thank you for your photos. Congratulations on your recent procedure. Everyones healing process is different and it is best to be patient at this time. The lines that you notice could be related to initial healing bands.  These consist of fat and skin tissue.  These can take months to resolve completely.  In a worst case scenario for the future, you may need injection of some sort to speed healing or to soften/fill them.  I wouldn't lose sleep over that now because you will most likely heal just fine with time.  I would recommend you speak directly with your surgeon in regards to any concerns. Have a great day!