How Should I Look 2 Weeks After Lower Facelift / Neck Lift?

2 weeks after a face and neck lift, it is common to have numbness around the incisions. Also, the incisions will still be slightly red and may be this way for a few months. There is likely to be some bruising and swelling that is resolving. The bruising should be more of a yellow/green color and no longer the deep purple that is seen a few days after surgery.  The skin of the neck and face should be tight - in fact, it is often more tight than it will be when you are fully healed because it is still swollen.   You are describing that your neck is still lax and full. It is possible that there is a fluid collection, or seroma. This does not sound like the typical result 2 weeks after surgery and I agree that you should see your surgeon to be evaluated.

Throughout the #facelift and #necklift #healing process you should be seen frequently by your doctor and one of their registered nurses to ensure you are following instructions properly and your recovery is going well. The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. 

#Recovery time 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 can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift and necklift will become apparent and the real result will be seen.If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Two weeks is way too early to judge the results of a neck lift and facelift.  Numbness is normal and irregularities are common. I would be patient and continue seeing you facial plastic surgeon regularly until the six month mark. At that time, you should have a better idea of the outcome.

parts of your ear will be numb

skin of your neck and sides of the face can be numb

your neck skin should be tight

there may be some swelling

brusing may be mostly gone


Talk to your surgeon about your concerns. A lot depends on the specific technique he used. Saggy skin under the chin will likely not improve but get worse over the next 3 months.

While you may still have some swelling two weeks after a facelift I would not expect saggy skin or a greater contour defect than prior to surgery.  I would recommend seeing your surgeon for a discussion.  The numbness is normal at this point.

There are some healing variations from patient to patient.  However, from what you are describing, it sounds like it would be best to talk to your surgeon directly.  You would want to ask them if this type of change is normal for them following neck lift.   The numbness is normal and will resolve in several months.  Good Luck. 

After surgery, your neck line may be swollen but should look more defined.  As the swelling resolves, the definition should improve even more.  You really should not have loose skin.  You should discuss this issue with your surgeon.  Without examining you or seeing your before and after pictures, it is impossible to give you specific advice.  As for numbness, this should resolve over time as the tissues heal.

 

Good Luck.

Hi blc123 in Turkey,

Many patients see immediate improvement in wrinkles from excess skin and sagging neck tissue after lower facelift and neck lift. At 2 weeks, many still have some swelling, while the bruising has mostly resolved. Also, incision lines may still be a little red at this time. Patients typically report the area feeling tight or snug. Numbness, especially around the ears, is common after face lift surgery and generally improves over time. The recovery period is largely dependant on the specific face lift procedure performed, for example more extensive plastic surgery procedures require longer recovery.

Speak with your face lift plastic surgeon regarding these and any concerns you have. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

I have concern that you are not going to get the result you desire. If you still have laxity, or irregularities, 2 weeks out from your facelift, I would be concerned that it will not improve over time. The numbness of your ear should return over time, typically within the first few months, but there is always a possibility that it will be permanent. I would discuss this with your surgeon. I have revised many facelifts over the years, so your problems can be fixed if it is necessary.

Andrew C. Campbell, M.D.

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

2 weeks post - op is still early.  However, one usually does not see extra, loose skin after a neck and face lift this early.  Remember that the excess skin has to be removed through incisions that begin in front of the ear and extend below and behind the ear into the scalp in order to remove the skin.  If one tries to minimize the incision lenght, inadequate skin will be removed.  Very few patients are good candidates for a lower face lift/neck lift for this reason.  Make sure you are seeing a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Samer W. Cabbabe, M.D.

Board - Certified Plastic Surgeon

St. Louis Plastic Surgery Consultants