Uneven Lift 2 Days Post Facelift?

2 days is way too soon to know the final outcome of your facelift. Uneven swelling, healing, bruising is more common than not. Your surgeon was able to see your results at the time of surgery prior to swelling which is maximal between 2-3 days in most cases.  Keep your regularly scheduled appointments with your plastic surgeon.                                                                                                                          Here are some general expectations about the facelift recovery process:                        

Recovery time from a facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). The marks from a facelift are noticeable at first, but are easily hidden with a bit of “camouflage” make-up which our experts can teach you to do.

The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen.

2 days is still early in the healing process, and it is not abnormal to feel tightness and notice some asymmetry. This will resolve over time, and it is important to be patient while you heal. I would recommend discussing any immediate post-operative concerns with your surgeon, as they know the extent of your procedure and exactly what was performed.  Thank you, and good luck with the remainder of your recovery.

In general, the side effects of a facelift are as follow:



1) Swelling


2) Bruising


3) Bleeding


4) Asymmetry


5) Tightness



2 days is still very soon after your facelift, and it is not abnormal to have an asymmetric appearance at this time following your procedure. This is not something of immediate concern, but it is a good idea to have an evaluation by your surgeon to ensure you are healing properly. Tightness is not abnormal, and may persist for weeks to months after surgery. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Because you only had your procedure performed a couple of days ago, it is too early to tell what the final results will be and if you should be concerned. Please be patient during this time, and visit your doctor to make sure you are healing properly after your facelift.

Due to normal postoperative swelling and bruising, it is not possible at this time to determine what your final results will look like months down the road.  It is not uncommon to have  more swelling on one side of the face than the other during the first week, and this can make your appearance look asymmetric . 

As for the tight skin under your chin, this will likely loosen up with time.

Please contact your plastic surgeon as he/she can evaluate you in person and reassure you about what to expect during this very early post-operative recovery period.

Best of luck to you!

It is not unusual to have some unevenness in the healing period after a facelift.  It is also common to have a feeling of tightness afterwards.  As the swelling resolves, both issues should improve.  It can take 6-12 months to see your final result, but normally, swelling will begin to improve after about 3 days following the procedure.  Be sure to follow up with your surgeon so your progress can be monitored.  

Dear Touz,

Thank you for your question.  It is quite common to have very asymmetric swelling days to weeks after facelift.  Swelling will resolve slowly over weeks.  In the mean time, follow up with your surgeon as indicated.

Best Wishes,

Pablo Prichard, MD

Two days post operative you will still have a lot of swelling and even what may seem like unevenness. Until the swelling goes down, you won’t see the full results of your lift.  This is actually quit common and once it is healed your result will be more visible and dramatic. “Dr. D”

Swelling following any surgery tends to peak at 2 to 3 days.  Uneven contours at this stage generally do not reflect the final outcome.

Mario J. Imola, MD, DDS, FRCSC, FACS.

You are still very early in the post operative period to make any final determinations. I would address your concerns with your plastic surgeon and follow up closely with his/her directions. After 6 months you will have a reasonably good idea of your result.