How do I rid swelling quicker after facelift?

You don't mention what was done exactly so this will be generic. Assuming you do not have a hematoma (blood under the skin from the surgery due to bleeding), you can help yourself recover more quickly by keeping your head elevated above your heart and not flexing your neck. You will also be able to massage the neck and face in a few days to help drain any fluid. Your doctor may prescribe some steroids for a few days as well.Best of LuckDr. JA. Dean Jabs M.D. Ph.D. FACSBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonBethesda MD/McLean VA

There's not much of patient can do for postoperative swelling. It's part of the healing process. Elevation of the head can be beneficial and I supplied immediately after the operation may be of modest benefit. The occasional plastic surgeon will prescribe steroids.

I am sorry for your discomfort, but you are experiencing normal postoperative symptoms after facelift. The reason for your swelling is the excellent blood supply to the face and head, and this will subside with time and elevation of your head as much as possible. Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C, and thus good for wound healing, but I doubt it will affect your swelling. A tincture of time, patience and elevation is the best way to address your postoperative swelling. Good luck.

Following your instructions closely will reduce swelling quicker.  Specifically, COOL COMPRESSES as instructed, sleeping with your head of bed elevated, avoiding exertion, avoiding aspirin and aspirin containing products, avoid ibuprofen type medications. Also, watch out for nausea and vomiting that may occur with narcotics.  Take them with food or contact your surgeon for another type of pain medication.

Cool compresses, head of bed elevation, low salt intake, and Arnica Montana can all help with swelling resolution after facelift surgery.  Just be sure not to put any ice or anything frozen directly on your skin.  Best of luck

Dear persk, I have not heard of the pineapple cure for swelling. We recommend that all facelift patients keep their head elevated as much as possible. Swelling and bruising go with gravity, so the more you sit upright, the quicker the swelling will resolve. Hope this helps!

I have also heard that pineapples or pineapple juice is effective but I have no experience with it.  Typically, keeping your head elevated while reclining and no vigorous activity will help swelling to resolve.

Swelling is normal after almost any surgical procedure.  Pineapple is unlikely to do anything for you except provide a good source of nutrition.  

Dear persk:This is a universal concern and very reasonable question for all patients to understand.There is a dynamic and similar course of healing everyone goes through following surgery or an injury.Physiologically, any incision or puncture of the skin will cause bleeding and bruising. The length of the incision and amount of lift or undermining determine the magnitude of the healing to occur. More surgery means more bruising, swelling and potential side-effects or complications but the healing time is similar and that is because the “army” of healing cells and scar formation is the same for any injury.Please anticipate:Swelling and bruising for 10 days to 3 weeks. Options to help hasten the reduction in swelling include:Head elevation above your heart level.Iced compresses on non-flap areas. NO direct ice anywhere. Gentle ambulation with no exertion and no bending. Arnica montana a herbal product is very well marketed and has both anti-oxidant and questionable anti-bruising effects.Bromelain is the active enzyme which assists in the breakdown of bruising. It is found in fresh pineapple. I have found this to help patients.If necessary for swelling, particularly in patients with histamine response to seasonal allergens, try OTC anti-histamines such as Claritin (loratidine) or Zyrtec (certidine).For more swelling, a Medrol dose pack may help but must be prescribed from your surgeon. Potential bleeding complications and incision concerns during the first 3 weeksUnder the skin firming, lumpiness and irregularity during the first 3 monthsI separate 2 levels of activity for my patients.ADL: activities of daily living; what you need to get by with daily rituals such as hygiene, breathing exercises and mobility. No stooping or bending and no lifting over 2 pounds as any increased activites may generate more swelling or bleeding. ADL’s for the first 3 weeks.Exertion: starting to do more than what is required such as exercise, sex or pulling and lifting suitcases. After 3 weeks.In general, I have found scar formation and tightening to the point of restrictive movement and some skin irregularities for the first 3 months.Different and changing levels of massage as the healing process progresses such as:1 gentle pressure2 gentle lymphatic or “squeege” motion3 firmer lymphatic or “squeege” motion4 “rock and roll” or firm deep massage for lumpsEmotionally, patients go through a “roller coaster” of concerns and presentations. You can expect:1-5 days: initial surprise: “I didn’t expect this”1-3 weeks: concern and a feeling of “did I do the right thing”2-4 weeks: worry: “when is this swelling, bruising going to go away”4-12 weeks: more worry: “why am I forming lumps and irregularities”2-4 months: depression: “I have to look socially acceptable and I look deformed”3-4 months: sunlight: “it’s getting better”6 months: elation: “wow, I look good”9-12 months: super-elation: “wow, I look hot!”3-10 years: eventual disappointment: “where did it all go?”Each patient and each physician interpret their changes and findings differently.Return to your treating physician and discuss what is best for you.All the best!

Hello Persk,Thank you for posting your question. Ideally, swelling is common for about 6 weeks post surgery. Patients do begin to see a decrease in the swelling after a several days. In my practice, we advise patient to sleep at a 45 degree angle, along with icing as often as possible. Some homeopathic remedies include Arnica Montana and Bromelain. In regards to the throbbing and headaches you are experiencing, once the bandages are removed, you will feel a sense of relief and the pressure of the bandages will subside. I wish luck in your recovery! Dr. Kouros Azar