When swelling goes down does the skin and tissue retract and tighten or does it become lax?

Question

I am still swollen and tight in front of my ears and neck since having neck lipo and a mini facelift 11 weeks ago. I wondered when the swelling finally dissipates will the cheek/ ear area tighten and retract or will it relax. In other words what happens to the tissue after the swelling leaves?

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.The answer to your question is really dependent on your age and quality of your skin.  If you have excellent skin tone and quality, then it should not loosen.

To be sure, see two or more board
certified and experienced plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete
evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Dear lilt, thank you for your question.  Swelling after a facelift may persists from
weeks to months, causing bumps or asymmetries to appear.  In San Diego, we monitor our patients closely
for one year to address any issues.  Follow up with your surgeon to check if this
is swelling versus something else and if treatment is indicated. Best of Luck.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

At 11 weeks postop, the majority of your swelling should have subsided. The goal of a facelift is usually to reduce laxity in the face and neck by repositioning tissues and excising excess skin. Nonetheless, many factors are involved including chronological age, skin quality and perioperative care.

When swelling goes down does the skin and tissue retract and tighten or does it become lax?

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When swelling goes down does the skin and tissue retract and tighten or does it become lax?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mini Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.