Is it normal for the face and jaw to continue to swell throughout the day, and to cause headaches 6 weeks post facelift? (Photo)

Question

I looked and felt better a week after the surgery, than I do now. The swelling never goes away, and seems to be getting worse. By about noon, my cheeks,, jaw,and neck start to swell even more and ache. Then my eyes start to burn and swell shut. My cheeks,jaw,and neck are tight like a drum, hot, and very numb. It hurts to smile, yawn, or chew. I have headaches almost all the time. This happens just from sitting at my desk at work. Yes,I watch my sodium! Is this normal progression or a problem?

Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

thanks for your question alireed. It is one I am asked fairly regularly so you are not alone. Firstly the extent of your swelling does sound excessive so online advice isn't in your best interests and you should definitely consult your operating surgeon. That said, swelling can change day to day after facelifting for weeks to months. In some it is barely there, in others it is a concern. In all post op patients this improves given time and patience. Easy to say when you don't live with it, but it is true. Dietary and lifestyle factors do make a big difference, as does facial lymphatic massage and timely intervention from your doctor of any precipitating causes. Facelifting is a journey and the old saying ' a path without obstacles probably doesn't lead anywhere' is apt. Stay in close contact with your surgeon and team - they should be there for you not just during the surgery but in the weeks and months after too. Good luck!

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your 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. #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). 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 of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.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.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

You are describing many of the normal aspects during healing phase after face lift surgery. The difficult part is, under guidance of your facelift surgeon, to be patient and allow healing to continue. Headaches can have many causes (including being stuck in a traffic jam) - so that will require more investigation.

Elbert T. Cheng, MD · Answer

As the previous surgeons have commented, swelling can be intermittent (increase or decrease) a few weeks to months after surgery.  What I see with my patients is that swelling should drastically improve over the first 6 weeks.  Some mornings, you may have more swelling depending on salt intake the night before, sleep quality, and other lifestyle issues.  If you are experiencing increasing severity of edema, tightness of skin, or it feels "hot", then this deserves a visit to your surgeon to make sure there isn't any other process happening, like infection.  Otherwise, good luck with everything.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

Swelling after a facelift is normal for some weeks to several months. My experience is that the sooner a patient tries to get active or if they over do it with activity too soon after surgery, they will feel more tiered and swollen at the end of the day or the following day.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus DiazDouble Board Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery

Is it normal for the face and jaw to continue to swell throughout the day, and to cause headaches 6 weeks post facelift? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling After Surgery

Answer: Swelling After Surgery

Answer: Swelling weeks after facellift

Answer: Swelling weeks after facellift

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Is it normal for the face and jaw to continue to swell throughout the day, and to cause headaches 6 weeks post facelift? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling After Surgery

Answer: Swelling After Surgery

Answer: Swelling weeks after facellift

Answer: Swelling weeks after facellift

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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.