Is it normally painful to chew after SMAS and will lower eye suture line settle? (photo)

Thank you for submitting your question and photo. Your swelling appears normal for 8 days post surgery.   Follow the direction of your surgeon.  The swelling around the eyes can last for several months.  Rest assured the swelling will subside.   Continue close folow up with ypur surgeon.  Discuss ypur concerns with your surgeon. Best Wishes.

Every patient is different in terms of tolerance of discomfort; the expected symptoms after facelifting surgery are swelling or a bruised sensation, tightness in the neck and scalp, and soreness in the neck, jaw, and around the ears. The muscles of facial expression are enveloped in a connective tissue system called SMAS; this SMAS is lifted, tightened, and sutured in facelifting surgery. The facial muscles that are lifted and sutured get a bit angry and inflamed after surgery, and this leads to the tightness and soreness symptoms. A sensation of a tight collar around the neck and the teeth not meeting quite right appear in some patients and are not worrisome; all these symptoms dissipate in days-a few weeks after surgery. An unbearable pain, however, can indicate problems in the post-operative course, and requires prompt evaluation by your surgeon.Swelling is expected in every part of the face after a procedure like yours, and certainly in the delicate tissues around the eyes.  This will resolve, and the incisions should be essentially imperceptible once healed.Most patients take a weak-moderate strength narcotic (eg, tramadol, hydrocodone) for 2-4 days after surgery, and are able to progress to plain Tylenol or nothing after this. Celebrex, a non-blood-thinning anti-inflammatory medication, has been shown the be useful in facelifting surgery, without the narcotic side-effects. Benadryl may be quite helpful with swelling and discomfort (but also makes people drowsy). I have some hearty souls who feel like they need no pain medications post-operatively whatsoever. Cold compresses work very well to decrease swelling and discomfort.Follow your surgeon's prescribed post-operative regimen, and know that your swelling and discomfort will decrease and resolve in several days to a few weeks.  Good luck in your recovery!