I Had a SMAS Facelift 2 Weeks and 3 Days Ago. Swelling/Numbness Normal?

Swelling and numbness after a SMAS lift can last for several weeks. Many surgeons will do facial fat injections at the same time, so the swelling can be more dramatic and take longer to resolve. By 3-4 weeks, you should expect most of the swelling to resolve. Being just 2 weeks post-op, swelling and numbness are common. Numbness can last for several months.  Some contour irregularities are common, but usually resolve with time. Good luck.

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling, firmness and numbness in the tissues will return to normal as time passes by. Between the first and second week, much of your swelling and bruising will dissipate. It may take more than a month or two for your tissues to fully soften and any residual swelling to resolve. Lymphatic massage maybe an option to help clear the swelling and firmness at a faster pace. Numbness usually is that last to resolve as your nerves take longer to recover.  I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time.

Hard to say anything without photos. You are too early to make any statements about long term results. There will be swelling, and some contour irregularities.  One has to also look for fluid accumulation, etc. Best to inform your surgeon about your concerns. Together you will make a plan to get through the post operative course.

It's seems that your recovery is normal. There is always some swelling and bruising. Some experience more than others. There is always some temporary numbness especially around the ears and under the chin if a platysmaplasty was performed. I find that it takes about 3 months before it really isn't noticeable. Firmness of the skin around the ears takes about 3-6 months to soften but it's typically not noticeable after 2-4 wks post operation. Compression is usually only needed for less than a week.  

   It sounds as though the results are quite good from your description, and numbness and swelling early can be quite normal.  Pictures would be helpful, but dents and depressions tend to even out with the swollen areas, particularly if you are wearing compression that covers part of the area and not the other part. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

The symptoms of swelling and numbness are not only normal but expected after the first few weeks following a facelift of any sort  including a SMAS lift.
Patients should expect swelling, discoloration, and bruising of the skin for several weeks following a SMAS  face lift.  Individuals vary a great deal in their response, but commonly the patient will be presentable within 3 weeks. 

There are many different techniques and procedures that are all lumped under the term "facelift". A SMAS facelift typically describes a medium to short scar facelift that relies on manipulation of the facial muscles and their coverings. Whenever the skin is separated from this underlying layer there is going to be transient numbness. The swelling is the body's response to this manipulation and actually is part of the healing process. By three weeks about 80% of the swelling has subsided. Using ice postoperatively along with certain medications like Arnika and Bromelain can limit the swelling and bruising and help with a quicker recovery. Typically the bigger the surgery (i.e. full face and neck lift with fat grafting), the longer the recovery and the more swelling. Hope this helps.  

What you are experiencing is very normal after only 2.5 weeks of healing time post surgery. You are right in that the "dents" are most likely a combination of swelling and wearing the compression dressing. The numbness is due to a disruption of the cutaneous innervation and should resolve with time. I would suggest making sure that you attend regular follow ups with your physician to ensure that you are healing properly. It's a great sign that the bruising is gone and things are symmetrical.

The more swelling and numbness the better the result,  be patient and talk to your doctor

What you describe is normal 2 weeks after a facelift. Swelling is variable and only your surgeon can tell you if he/she expected what you're experiencing.