14 week post op Modified Mac Face Lift & still areas of swelling, indents, lumps, dimples & puffiness. Is this normal?

Question

I wake up every morning not knowing where the lumps & bumps will be next! When I massage, it seems to swell and takes 48 hours or so to get back to how it was before. PS said its normal and I'm just saw healer. I did suffer with extreme swelling & bruising - could this be the reason? Thank you in anticipation.

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Yes it is normal, especially since you had some swelling and bruising post op. Just be sure to check with your doctor that you don't have blood accumulation beneath the flaps. If you do, these need to be aspirated before they "organize" in to a more dense form of scar. Continue to use cold compresses (NOT ice) and massage upward toward your ears.Dr. JA. Dean Jabs M.D., Ph.D.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBethesda MD/McLean VA

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.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Your complaints 14 weeks after a facelift or bit unusual but not completely out of the question. As long as the trend is favorable it is best to remain patient.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

unfortunately you may be one of the people that takes a little longer to heal.  Your description of events sounds like swelling that can happen after surgery and can go on for months.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

It is relatively unusual to have significant swelling 14 weeks after a facelift but everyone is different.  Best to follow-up with your plastic surgeon sooner than later.

14 week post op Modified Mac Face Lift & still areas of swelling, indents, lumps, dimples & puffiness. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Some patients heal slower than others

Answer: Some patients heal slower than others

Answer: Post-op swelling

Answer: Post-op swelling

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.

14 week post op Modified Mac Face Lift & still areas of swelling, indents, lumps, dimples & puffiness. Is this normal?

Answers (8)

Answer: Some patients heal slower than others

Answer: Some patients heal slower than others

Answer: Post-op swelling

Answer: Post-op swelling

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.