Wrinkled Patch on Cheek One Month After Lower Face Lift and Neck Lift. They Weren't There Before? (photo)

Question

I am 3.5 weeks post op with pleasing results. Still very numb, more one one side then the other and swollen. Just below my cheek bone I have a wrinkled patch of skin about one and a half inches square. These wrinkles are horizontal and fine and were not there before. They seem to be caused by the stretching of the skin??? I am 60 and hoping this is temporary. Is this normal?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

David Hansen, MD · Answer

The swelling after a face/neck lift is always, always asymmetrical for the 1st couple of months but evens out quite nicely with time.  Be patient and don't worry that the numbness lasts about 6 months in many patients. Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

At this point in your postoperative period, you can still expect some degree of swelling, mild asymmetries, numbness, potentially bruising, and an overall tight sensation. Although the photo provides limited insight into what is going on, I do not see any reason for concern. Swelling after a Facelift can cause slight distortion of pre-existing lines, depending on the vector of pull during the procedure

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

It is normal for the skin swelling after a facelift to resolve in an irregular fashion. Sometimes the skin will have unnatural wrinkles as a result of that wrinkling. It can take up to 6 months for all swelling to resolve after a facelift. If you are happy with the rest of your face at three weeks after surgery then relax!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

At 3.5 weeks after surgery you will still be swollen and most likely these will get better with time.  If concerned see your doctor.

Wrinkled Patch on Cheek One Month After Lower Face Lift and Neck Lift. They Weren't There Before? (photo)

Answers (5)