4 Weeks Post-op Facelift--left Side Doing Well--right Side Has Huge Lump Behind Right Ear. Will It Heal?

The complete healing process following most facelifts progresses over several months.  While most of  the obvious bruising and swelling should dissipate after two to three weeks, it is not unusual to have areas which are firm and somewhat bumpy for a longer period.  Massage does help these areas to improve faster, sometimes it is helpful to use localized steroid injections.  Close follow up with your surgeon should help obtain the fastest resolution.

Unfortunately, many mass marketing cosmetic companies have peppered the airwaves with commercials advertising amazing facelift results with little to no down time. Unfortunately, this is completely false. A facelift if a very effective procedure that can produce fantastic results. In order to achieve these results there is a lot dissection in the face as well as the neck. The muscle layer of the face is manipulated and anchored in order to provide the strength of the lift. The result of the surgical manipulation is a lot of swelling that can require several month to completely resolve.

I advise my patients that they can usually transition back to their daily routine after 10-14 days as long as they avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting. I also advise that there may be areas of swelling that can take a few months to heal. I would visit with your surgeon, show him/her the areas that you are concerned about. I would anticipate that you will have a full recovery with great results but it takes time.