1 week from deep plane face lift and forehead lift and I am swelling like an monster. Advice?

Question

I have party that I am attending in 2 weeks. (3 weeks from surgery )What can I do? Will I look normal? It’s ok if I look like I have done filler, just I can’t be look like this monster.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

If performed correctly, the deep plane facelift procedure is the creme de la creme of techniques for a natural looking and lasting result. Swelling is usually worst for the first 2 days after which time it will start to go down before it finally subsides. We ask our patients to give it 12 days plus/minus before planning to re-enter their lives. Some people heal quicker, others may take a couple of days longer. Attending a party 3 weeks after your surgery is usually fine, even though you may still be self-conscious.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Please remember that at 1 week, it is still extremely early in the game of recovery.  You will look much better at 3 weeks, usually being able to wear some degree of coverup makeup at 2 weeks postop.  Your question highlights the two types of recovery that occur for patients after a deep plane facelift: 1) physical recovery, and 2) psychological/confidence recovery.  You are going to look much better at the 3 week mark, but you might not feel like you are completely healed.  That's because you will still be early in the recovery process.  However, you will most likely be at the point where most people will tell you that you look great, and have no idea that you had surgery. Confidence recovery is variable from individual to individual.  Best to keep in close contact with your Surgeon and staff for reassurance.

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

Sometimes you get a mosquito bite and it is gone overnight. Other times you may have swelling and redness that persists all summer and into the fall!  Both situations involve inflammation and it's somewhat hard to predict how long it will last.
Some people have a deep plane facelift and look camera ready in 10 days.  These are the people that surgeons prefer to show you on Instagram and other social media platforms. The reality is they are the exception. Most people have swelling that lasts longer.  Without seeing you, it is likely that the prolonged swelling is normal and your party is just scheduled to soon after your surgery.  Check in with your doctor to make sure you don't have a problem, but, significant swelling 3 weeks later is not unusual and your doctor should counsel you appropriately.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend planning no social events for at least 3 weeks after facelift. This is the minimum amount of time we recommend for healing. Keep in mind that, although infrequent, patients who are healing normally may require more than three weeks before they are socially presentable. In that case, give yourself time to heal and skip the social gatherings.

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

It's normal to have swelling at 1 week, especially after a deep plane face lift.  Make sure you follow up with your surgeon.  Most times, I will prescribe a short taper of oral steroid to help with swelling.

Nicholas S. Karter, MD · Answer

It is completely normal to have a fair amount of swelling one week after a deep plane facelift. Usually the biggest changes in swelling occur between the one and two week mark. After two weeks most patients look fairly normal and an everyday passer-by would not notice anything unusual. Keep in mind that you, and people close to you, will still be able to tell the difference at two weeks. You should be fine to go to the party, but you may need a little make-up to hide incisions and any small, persistent bruising. As far as ways to speed the resolution of swelling along, I would recommend taking it easy, avoiding excessive salt intake, sleeping propped up on a couple of pillows or in a recliner, and avoiding overly hot/humid environment. As always it is very important to share your concerns with your surgeon. They may feel it beneficial to prescribe a light steroid to speed the process along. I hope this helped, good luck!!

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

While the healing time from a Deep Plane Facelift is not necessarily longer than a lateral SMAS facelift, most people have about 2 to 3 weeks of social down time. This also depends on what other procedures are done along with the facelift.  Most people look amazing at 6 weeks and mostly healed within 3 months.There are ways to expedite the resolution of swelling such as steroid doses and some remedies such as Arnica and Bromelain/Quercetin. Lymphatic drainage can also be beneficial. Speak to your physician about things they recommend.

1 week from deep plane face lift and forehead lift and I am swelling like an monster. Advice?

Answers (7)

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