Is this normal 4 weeks post op face/neck lift? It looks worse than before. (Photos)

Question

It looks worse than before. I always had a much more defined jaw line. I am currently doing lymphatic drainage massage but also was told it may stay like that due to my submandibular gland? I never looked like that before. Any advice would be appreciated. Is it too late to wear a compression strap at this stage? I don't know what to think:-(

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thanks for your question. I call this "chin strap" edema. It is often related to a mix of loose neck skin and gravitational related swelling in the neck. It is more common in patients with small chins or short mandibles. It happens most often in short scar facelifting with vertical vectors of skin pull and removal. In the early stages of recovery after facelift surgery, dropping the chin to the chest when sleeping causes skin to bunch up and fill with fluid. This is why my patients use U-shaped airplane pillows at night when sleeping to avoid this problem. It can be managed with compression wrapping, lymphatic massage, and low dose steroid injections. In some cases, it requires reoperation to correct. You will have to wait another 5 months to determine if reoperation is necessary, so there is a lot of time to work on it nonsurgically. I would recommend working closely with your surgeon. Good luck,Dr. Shah

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

Considering you are only 4 weeks out from your surgery, you are still going to have minor swelling and irregularities. These should resolve over the next several months. Wearing a sling at night may help make the swelling go away faster, just don't wear it so tight that it injures the skin (I've seen that happen). Give this some time and discuss your concerns with your surgeon.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation Specialist

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

It sounds like you have had a necklift/facelift and that your tightened neck is now revealing the underlying glands.  That issue is not an easy fix unless you are willing to have the submandibular glands excised or possibly elevated.  I am sorry you are not happy with your results at the moment but your issue was unavoidable if the glands were obvious. I would advise you to speak directly with your Plastic Surgeon in regards to the next step. You may need additional surgery if you can't live with the appearance of your neck.  Thank you for your question and best wishes.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

Hi catglam,It is not unusual to have swelling in the neck area 1 month post surgery. Try not to bend your neck so much forward, sleep with your head in a flat position, and avoid salty foods to decrease swelling. I would discuss with your surgeon the issue of a head band at this point as each surgeon has their own methods to treat this common swelling.Bet,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

All of the photos appear to be with your neck at an angle, making it hard to evaluate. However, based on these photos it appears as if you simply have normal postoperative swelling. This is normal at 4 weeks. It is way too early to judge your results, as you are still healing. I think the best thing to do is just give it time, as hard as that may feel. I would also advise you to sleep with your neck in a neutral position, not flexed and not hyperextended.

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

Swelling or edema can last several months after a face lift. best to sleep slightly proper up but not with your neck bent. A strap maybe helpful, but not to tight. massage is helpful. Your glands may be swollen which will take some time months to resolve. Good luck...

Anthony A. Admire, MD, FACS · Answer

I would address your concerns with your surgeon. At one week postop, it's too early too see what the final results can be. Sometimes, some of the irregularities can be massaged out.

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your detailed question and photos!At only four weeks after your surgery, swelling is still normal as your body heals and adapts. You should continue to monitor the area, but at this stage post-lift, your results will still be changing and should not be considered final. If you would like to try a compression band, you can speak to your surgeon about what they typically recommend for persistent swelling at this point in the healing process. You can also contact a different board-certified plastic surgeon for a second opinion if it would help for your peace of mind. Best of luck with your continued recovery!

Jamie Moenster, DO · Answer

Thank you for your questions and photos.  It is difficult to tell with the photos you provided as there are no pre op pictures and low shooting angles.  It is normal for swelling to last months after surgery.  You can still get some benefits from your compression garment at this stage as well.  I recommend you see your PS to have your questions/concerns addressed.Best Wishes!

Brian Widenhouse, MD · Answer

It is difficult to assess your photos because of the angle. However, this appears to be normal post-operative swelling. Swelling can last several months after a facelift. Discuss the issue of a compression garment with your surgeon before wearing one. Best of luck!

Is this normal 4 weeks post op face/neck lift? It looks worse than before. (Photos)

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