Face lift incision looks very bumpy and skin seems "bunched up" together? (Photos)

Question

I am 1 day after face lift surgery (temple, cheek, lower face lift). the incision by the temple looks bumpy, and the skin there looks "folded" or "bunched up" together. I was told this is normal and the skin there will even out or smooth out once swelling goes down and the stitches dissolve. Is this true? And how long will it take before the skin there smooth out? Please see attached pictures for incisions by the temple area along the hair line. Thank you.

John Paul Tutela, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for reaching out. It is absolutely normal for the skin to be bunched up this early after facelift procedure. This will usually smooth out and settle down within the first few months after surgery.  The scars will also change in color from red to pale.I hope this helps :-)

John Layliev, MD · Answer

The bunching up in the temple area was done in order not to extend your incision too high up the temple. Furthermore, during the early postoperative period, the skin and soft tissue is swollen including the temple area that you are referring to. Most of this will settle within 6-8 weeks, and a dramatic difference should be noticed within a few months time. Follow up with your plastic surgeon during  the healing phase and discuss any concerns you may have with your surgeon.

Clayton Crantford, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Incisions often appear raised or bunched following surgery due to swelling. In the early postoperative period it is best to be patient and to have close follow up with your surgeon so he/she can walk you through the healing process. I would recommend following up with your surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best of luck.

Adam Tattelbaum, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and the photos. One day out you are seeing swelling and pulling from the deep sutures which will go away over time. Worse case, scars could be adjusted in the future, but thankfully your body is smart and the skin generally settles down. It seems that at this early time you are getting good advice from your PS.Best wishes.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for the question. It's normal to have there areas of irregularity early after facelift. They should settle over time, usually within several weeks.Best,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Face lift incision looks very bumpy and skin seems "bunched up" together? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Face lift bunching.

Answer: Face lift bunching.

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

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.

Face lift incision looks very bumpy and skin seems "bunched up" together? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Face lift bunching.

Answer: Face lift bunching.

Answer: Facelift

Answer: Facelift

Browse related questions

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.