Facelift. Is it normal to still feel swelling in neck and temples?

Question

I had face and necklift fat transfer Aug.24.Is it normal to still feel swelling in neck and temples?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The majority of swelling following a facelift
generally resolves within a few weeks, but there can be residual swelling for
up to six months. If your swelling is severe, I recommend visiting your surgeon
for a follow-up visit to make sure everything is healing well.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.Without knowing the specifics of the procedure, it is difficult to comment on exactly what is normal and what isn't (for instance, if you had fat transfer to your temples).  I recommend contacting your plastic surgeon and discussing what you are feeling.  Best of luck!

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

After a facelift, you typically need 2-3 weeks for most of the swelling to resolve.  Afterwards there may be residual swelling but it should not be a cause for concern.  If you still have significant swelling in some areas months after the procedure, you should address theses concerns to your surgeon.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

At this point, remnant swelling should be minimal to none in most patients. Observers should not be able to detect any abnormality but you will be quite aware of areas that have not healed entirely. Give it a couple of extra months; swelling always goes away.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

The degree of swelling, and bruising differs markedly from patient to patient and depends on the extensiveness of the surgery, whether or not you keep your head constantly elevated during the first week, how much salt is in your diet, blood pressure, whether you used ice or not and other factors. Swelling tends to peak at day 2-3, so from this point on these concerns/issues will be improving.#Fattransfer#FaceliftSwelling#Facelift

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling after facelift and fat grafting is very normal and can last for several weeks. You may even develop intermittent swelling over the next month or two depending on if there is ongoing inflammation associated with movement or tension.  At this point, however, the majority of your swelling should be down. I would recommend that you visit with your plastic surgeon to discuss your situation in more detail.

Winfield Hartley, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

While the majority of your swelling should have resolved by now, it is not unusual with facial fat grafting to experience some prolonged swelling.  Try to characterize the swelling (degree, time of day, relationship to exercise, etc) and check back in with your plastic surgeon.  I tell my patients that swelling can be normal up to 6 months from surgery.  Good luck.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Debspope,Following a facelift and any surgery, you will swell.  As a rule of thumb, 80% of that swelling is gone in two weeks and 90% in two months.  The neck area tends to feel tight following the procedure because it usually undergoes the most lifting with the procedure.  This is a normal sensation that should improve with time.  Depending on where the sutures were placed and what type of facelift was done, there can be sutures in the back part of the temple area.  This may be what you are feeling.  I would recommend you follow up with your surgeon for an evaluation to make sure everything is ok, but nothing sounds too out of the ordinary.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Bryan Correa, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say without a physical exam. Many people note swelling with activity (e.g. exercise) which tends to linger longer than normal - this is due to the healing process of the lymphatics slowly being reestablished. Some baseline/residual swelling from surgery can still be present but is usually pretty subtle. I would f/u with your surgeon and discuss your concerns with him/her. Good luck!

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your question.  It is a very progressive recovery following a facelift.  Part of the surgical process is to lift the tissue and structures that have fallen.  Part of a great facelift is to also replace the lost volume.  We progressively loose volume over time as we age.  This is both volume in our soft tissue as well as volume in our bones.  A great facelift will combat this by adding volume through fat replacement.  I am in no way saying that you will look overdone and puffy.  You should look very natural and rested.  So to answer your question, volume replacement (depending on where you need the volume) may make your face feel fuller for months following a face lift.  Hope that helps.

Facelift. Is it normal to still feel swelling in neck and temples?

Answers (11)

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