After a surgery, in the first days after, there is swelling and inflammation, later on about 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure, there is scar tissue formation and the scar tissue works as a glue, so all the tissues afected by the surgery get hard, like wood and that is a normal part of the healing. The scar tissue usually get softer within 3 to 6 months after the procedure. Also there are some numbness on the operated area, that makes the tissues feel waxy. It is a matter of time for the swelling and the scar tissue to get soft.
In general, lumps, bumps, and a firm texture are fairly common in the healing phases of a facelift. On average, I find that most of the visible signs of surgery have resolved in the first 1-2 weeks after surgery. This may vary based on patient medical issues, the type of facelift performed, and how well patients follow the pre and post-op instructions. The healing that takes place underneath the skin can take up to a year. Most often, the firm texture is resolved around 3-4 months after surgery, but in some cases can take longer. It's always best to follow up with your surgeon after your surgery with any questions or concerns. He or she will be able to guide you through your recovery based on what patients in their practice typically experience.
