Swelling Under Chin 5 Weeks Post Neck Sculpting and Mid Facelift?

Question

5 wks ago I had neck sculpting and mid facelift. My incisions are in front of and behind my ears. I dont have an incision under my chin. There is some swelling under my chin and on my neck. I went to the doctor yesterday, and they used some ultra sound on my neck. I am concerned that the skin under my chin and neck will become stretched and I will still have a sagging neckline. I wore my neck strap for 11 days after surgery. Is there any chance that this area will pull up more as time goes by?

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The swelling that occurs under the chin after a facelift is often the last place to resolve. Gravity draws the swelling in that direction, and it can take a fair amount of time for it to resolve. It is not uncommon to have some swelling even after 5 weeks.

	The best thing to preach is patience. The swelling will resolve eventually, and the final results after a facelift take 3-6 months to become apparent. Gentle massage can be used, as can ultrasound to help speed this process. However, your skin will not be stretched and should gradually contract as the swelling dissipates.

	Best of luck with your continued recovery and enjoy your refreshed face.

	Jeff Rockmore

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling and firmness in the tissues including the chin region 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. I wouldn't worry about the swelling affecting the elasticity of your skin and it's ability to recoil back to normal after all the swelling is gone.  Lymphatic massage maybe an option to help clear the swelling and firmness at a faster pace.  I would make sure that you continue to follow up with your plastic surgeon during this period of time.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Swelling under the chin at 5 weeks should be improving, but this area can still be lumpy and swollen.   This depends upon the amount of fat removed the amount of loose skin prior to surgery and individual healing characteristics.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

It is difficult to know how exactly you will continue to heal throughout your recovery process. 5 weeks post op is still relatively early, and there is a decent chance that everything may work out well. It's important to follow the post operative care outlined by your plastic surgeon, as well as continuing to see your plastic surgeon on a regular basis for follow up appointments.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Hi Cindyloohoo57, swelling 5 weeks after liposuction of the neck is not unusual however it should definitely be progressively improving. It sounds like your surgeon was ruling out any type of fluid collection by doing an u/s. If the area is not infected and there is no evidence of a fluid collection I would anticipate that it should gradually resolve and you should have a good result. It is reasonable to wear your compression garment. Make sure that you follow up with your surgeon and are compliant with his or her recommendations.

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