I have swelling after my facelift. Is this normal?

Question

My eyes look asian, my cheeks look like a chipmunk..Will I go back to normal? Terrified. Today is day 3

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Swelling of the face
is normal. The degree of swelling varies from
patient to patient. Keep your head elevated at a 45-degree angle for the first
2 weeks post facelift surgery. By 4-6 weeks, most of the major swelling will be gone.

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

It is perfectly normal to have some swelling after eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). The tissue is thin and it doesn’t take much to initiate substantial swelling. For a typical facelift there is some initial swelling but it should not be substantial. If you note black and blue discoloration with the swelling you may be developing a hematoma (blood under the skin) that should be addressed. Stay in touch with your surgeon.

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling after any surgical procedure is common.  After facelifting surgery there are two common looks that we see and one of them is the appearance of a "chipmunk".  This is a normal result secondary to the surgery and is expected to last anywhere from 1-2 weeks. It will also be associated with a "woody" feeling in the region in front of the ear.  This will also resolve as the recovery proceeds.  The second common look after certain types of facelifting procedures is what we describe as a "cobra" look. This is not usual for all types of facelifts but the ones where the incisions are not carried too far along the back of the ear or scalp may result in a little bit of a pulled look under on the earlobes.  This too will settle down.If the swelling is bothering you, using a light steroid such as a Medrol dose pack is reasonable and will accelerate the reduction of this "chipmunk" appearance.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Depending on the type of procedure as well as the vicissitudes of healing from patient to patient swelling can be substantial. In general it has no effect on the long-term outcome.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Facelift swelling is usually pretty common right after srugery. How much is too much, really depends upon how you look.  If concerned, you should discuss this with your surgeon.

I have swelling after my facelift. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling can be significant after a facelift.

Answer: Swelling can be significant after a facelift.

Answer: Facelift swelling

Answer: Facelift swelling

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I have swelling after my facelift. Is this normal?

Answers (7)

Answer: Swelling can be significant after a facelift.

Answer: Swelling can be significant after a facelift.

Answer: Facelift swelling

Answer: Facelift swelling

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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