How long can it be until lumps, divots and swelling subside from a facelift? I'm at 7 months and still plagued by these.

Question

I had a deep plane lower face and neck lift and developed significant fibrosis, lumps, divots and swelling throughout the cheeks. Its been 7 months. Ive had ultrasound for the fibrosis and Lymphatic massage for swelling...I still am not healing well enough to feel comfortable socially.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I'm not sure specifically what you're referring to but significant contour issues should be gone within a few weeks after a facelift let alone seven months. Discuss this with your surgeon.

Alexander Donath, MD, FACS · Answer

It can take up to a year for wound maturation to occur but there are additional options for short-term improvement such as synthetic fillers for depressions and steroid injections for firm/raised areas. It sounds like you have been following up with your surgeon and I would recommend you continue to do so until they feel nothing further can be done. Hope that helps and best wishes, Dr. Donath

Kevin M. Robertson, MD, FACS · Answer

Its not uncommon to have some of the concerns you posted for a month or two after surgery.  But those should have resolved by seven months post surgery.  About the only thing that will still improve at this point would be residual areas of numbness, as well as more formal maturation of scarring.  The steps you have taken like ultrasound or massage are great ideas but are not likely to do anything significant at this point.  Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and if you don't get information that helps calm your anxieties then seek additional information with other surgeons.

Carlos L. Wolf, MD · Answer

It is time that all the divots  and irregularities  smooth out by seven months. I suggest that it is time that you talk to your physician and ask him or her a plan for your future. Irregularities and divots  may take a few weeks to a few month, however, seven months is a long time to be waiting. If you are unhappy you might ask your physician to use fillers until he   or she feels the irregularities will go away. If  there is no clear solution you might seek a second opinion.

Kaete A. Archer, MD · Answer

The final healing after a facelift isn't until the 1 year mark. This is when wounds/scars have matured and remodeled.  The irregularity will continue to soften and improve for the next 6 months.  There are options such as steroid injections to break down scar tissue and fillers to camouflage the irregular areas.   I would continue follow up with your surgeon and allow more healing to occur.

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

bchurchills,
Thanks for your question.  You should have had adequate time to heal from your facelift by now, and I think that residual irregularities may need to be revisited.  Please discuss these with your surgeon and ask about a plan to address them.  Also feel free to discuss these issues with other surgeons if you are not happy with the answers you get, as multiple opinions can be helpful in a setting like this.  Everyone's skill sets are slightly different, and you may run into a surgeon that is able to offer improvement in these that your first surgeon may not be familiar with.  Good luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Something not sounding right. Please return to see your operate surgeon or seek in person paid second opinions. 7 months postop very long time frame not to be healed.

How long can it be until lumps, divots and swelling subside from a facelift? I'm at 7 months and still plagued by these.

Answers (7)

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