It is just over 6 weeks since my facelift. I am getting more lumpy, not less, is this normal? (Photos)

At just 6 weeks since your facelift surgery, your results are stilldeveloping and you likely still have some swelling as well. If you cannot check back in with your original plastic surgeon in person, perhaps you can contact him or her via email or phone to discuss your concerns. I would not suggest a follow-up treatment from anyone other than your plastic surgeon at this time.

It looks like your surgeon did a MACS type facelift using a purse string type suture for resuspending your cheek tissue.  When the face was swollen the underlying irregularities were not obvious.  Massage can help, but I would not be too aggressive as you may break the suture before the tissues stabilize, or you may tear the tissue.  You may eventually need a revision, fillers, or fat grafting in the area, if it doesn't correct over time.  

When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during surgery, small sensory #nerves are cut. Varying degrees of numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. This typically recovers fully in the months after surgery. 
As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek after a facelift. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely. 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.

HI rosily, So sorry about your lumpy areas. I would advise you NOT to get steroid shots in the face as this will cause the tissue to become atrophied and will not help the lumps. It appears that there is a problem with the way that the skin was draped over the lateral part of your face. I think that it might be best to try to visit with your surgeon in the near future. It is not an emergency, but you do need to follow up with him/her.Best,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Thank you for your question and pictures.  Your results should improve and the lumpiness over the next 3-6 months.  Please follow your surgeons protocol. I would advise massaging to soften the scar tissue.  All The Best 

Hello and thank you for the question. A lot of what you are
experiencing should get better over the next 3 months or so , with a
combination of massage and at times local injection of steroids to
thickened/irregular scar tissue. Your surgeon is the best person to guide your
through the process. Please follow up with him/her frequently. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.
Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Dear RosilyMany thanks for posting your question and photographsThe skin tension lines (known as lateral sweep) can be challenging to deal with after a facelift. The best thing at this stage is to continue to firmly massage and moisturise the area. An assessment in another 3-6 months to determine how well things have improved can then be made. If the lines are still present then further surgery would be indicated to improve your situation.I would also advise liaising closely with your surgeon, even if they are overseas.I hope this helps, and good luck

There may still be some swelling present. Irregularities after a facelift can be due to many causes. It can be an accumulation of skin, a falling of the layers beneath the skin or herniation of fat pads, in particular, the buccal fat pad. Proper and successful treatment is predicated on the correct diagnosis. Knowing exactly what it is that is causing the irregularity is mandatory before not proceeding  with any solution. I recommend following up with your surgeonSincerely, 
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

It is still too soon. You may still have some swelling, which will slowly resolve over the next several weeks. I do recommend following up with your surgeon about your concerns. I hope this helps. 

I think that you are doing everything correct at this point, and I'd recommend continuing the massage. I would also recommend that you contact your surgeon so they know that you are not fully satisfied and hopefully they can make additional recommendations. If things don't resolve over the first six months or so, a deep plane technique of revision facelift may be necessary to get rid of the problem.Andrew Campbell, M.D.
Facial Rejuvenation Specialist
Quintessa Aesthetic Centers