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

Question

I am 13 days out from my face lift. I realize it will take time for all the swelling to go down but does this look like typical swelling. My face is much wider than it was originally. I do like it better, but I sure hope it thins out.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

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!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

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!

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

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

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

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.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

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.

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

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.

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

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.

Mark Hamilton, MD · Answer

While two weeks may seem like a long time for recovery, you are still early in the process. Most swelling does resolve in the first couple of weeks, but some swelling will take months to dissipate. As long as there is not marked thickening, redness or drainage, things are probably proceeding normally. I would recommend close follow up with your surgeon and let them know your concerns.

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

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