My face is much wider than before facelift. Is this just swelling or will it thin out? (Photo)

This is typical after a facelift and it does scare patients all of the time. As the swelling resolves ( be patient) you will see that the width returns to normal. The only reason for it not returning is if fat was added to widen the face. Confirm with your surgeon.

Hello- thank you for your question. The facial fullness at the upper face improves and vertical length shortens with facelift. You will become less swollen over time, likely by 6 weeks or so. All looks appropriate. Best of luck to you!

You still have a lot of swelling which is normal at 13 days after surgery. It will be several more weeks until you see your final result. Try to be patient and follow your surgeon's post operative instructions. Good luck!

Thank you for your question.  At 13 days post-operative, you are still quite swollen from your surgery.  I agree that what you are seeing is secondary to swelling.  Depending on how your facelift procedure was performed, the deep tissues will swell, and this is visible underneath the skin.  Over the next several weeks, you will see this swelling resolve. It typically takes 6 months for all swelling to resolve.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, as well.I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Thank you for pictures.  This widening represents two things.  The most prominent representation of this widening is swelling.  This will improve over 6 months or so.  The second representation of this widening is the reposition the tissues into their correct positions from the facelift which produce a more youthful face.  Best wishes.

Yes, this is most likely due to swelling, which will gradually resolve over the next several weeks. If you remain concerned, I recommend following up with your surgeon. Sincerely, 
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
 

During a facelift there is a specific effort made to elevate the volume of the deeper tissues upward to increase the midfacial width and smooth and straighten the jawline, which is a youthful appearance.  The swelling you have is normal and will slowly resolve over 2-3 months.  Check with your surgeon to see if any fat grafting or other ancillary procedures were done which may prolong the swelling a bit longer.

One of the goals of the facelift surgery is to reestablish volume to the cheek area which produces a more youthful look.  The fullness in that area is a desired outcome.  Some of the other fullness will diminish as it is due to post-operative swelling.  Overall, at 13 days, your face appears to be doing well.  Discuss with your surgeon and good luck

Thank you for your question.You are very early in the healing process. There is still too much swelling in the face to have any idea of what your final result will be. It is usually 6 weeks before you really start to see your final results.

CosmicCircle. I appreciate your concern, however you are most certainly still experiencing postoperative swelling from your surgery and this should resolve with time. Discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.