3 Weeks After Mid Facelift Swelling More on One Side?

Question

i did face lift and lower blepharoplasty 3 weeks ago. still have swelling. but my faces left sides swelling specilally under left eye have swelling more than right side under eye. it is normal or not?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It is still very soon after your surgery, and it is not abnormal at this point to have some uneven swelling. Residual swelling following a facelift can last up to 6 months, with the majority of the swelling dissipating after the first 3 months. If your are sleeping on the left side of your face, it may cause that side to swell more than the right. I would try to sleep on your back or on your right side. You may want to sleep elevated or in a recliner for a day or two to see if that helps. There are also exercises and massages you can do to help with the swelling under your eye. I would recommend following up with your physician, as he/she knows the details of your procedures. Thanks and best of luck.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question for sharing your concerns with us. Swelling and firmness in the tissues will return to normal as time passes by, and one side may resolve faster than another. 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. 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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling can take up to a year to subside. During this time, you should restrict sodium intake and sleep on your back as much as possible. Lymphatic massage can also help.  Once the majority of swelling goes away, residual swelling subsides very gradually and most patients don't notice when it's totally gone because it's so gradual. This generally takes about a year. It is not unusual for swelling to be asymmetrical, so this should not be a concern for you. However, if you are very worried, please talk to your surgeon. Best of luck.

Elliot M. Heller, MD · Answer

This is normal. There is one side that heals quicker than the other. It does take at least six months for the swelling to subside.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have a mild level of asymmetric swelling after a face/neck lift, but significant asymmetry may be a sign of hematoma.

Roy Kim, MD · Answer

Dear byambaa-

	 

	Most swelling will go away 6-12 months after a facelift.  You had surgery 3 weeks ago, which implies that your healing is still fairly young and fresh, so some asymmetry may occur this soon after your procedure.  I assume that you have been seen and discussed this with your plastic surgeon, but if you have not, please consider seeing him/ her soon.  

	 

	Best Wishes on a Speedy Recovery,

	Roy Kim, MD

Philip Young, MD · Answer

This could be normal and may resolve without any asymmetry. 3 weeks is a little early to worry about that. But I would have your doctor rule out fluid collections, and you can start conservative measures to keep this from being a permanent things

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

This asymmetry you describe can happen, due to varied healing. Perhaps you are lying more on that left side when you sleep, or perhaps you needed more work on that side, or had more intraoperative bleeding. Give things time.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

It's not uncommon to have some asymmetry in post-operative swelling. It can take up to 6-8 weeks for the swelling to subside and, occasionally even longer. Without seeing pictures it is difficult to determine whether or not this is something that requires immediate attention or whether things are healing normally. I would follow up with your surgeon to ensure that everything is healing normally.

Richard Ellenbogen, MD (retired) · Answer

Swelling in plastic surgery is always assymetrical. Ittakes 3 to 9 months for most of the swelling to be gone. If you need reassurance speak to your surgeon. What you see now is not what you will see in 3 months.

3 Weeks After Mid Facelift Swelling More on One Side?

Answers (12)

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