If you have had a facelift done or are considering getting one, it is important to know common symptoms. After a facelift, it is common to have swelling, and the healing process is different for everyone. So, consider the following information. This article will also be helpful if you are worried about 4 weeks after facelift, still swollen.
Swelling and facelift
With any facelift procedure, including the extended deep plane facelift, swelling is typical and to be expected. In nearly all instances, it gradually disappears without any help (see the extended deep plane facelift page for the average expected recovery time). The lymphatic drainage system, which transports the body’s natural fluid through the body and back to the heart, needs time to repair in addition to the typical healing (i.e., acute inflammatory) response following surgery.
Facial Swelling
Your lymphatic vessels are injured during a facelift, which causes the affected tissue to retain extra fluid. An increase in blood flow and fluid transport to the area of inflammation induces redness and heat in the affected areas. Lymphatic drainage will resume when the vessels are connected and working correctly, and the swelling will subside. The most significant time will be needed for facial swelling to disappear completely.
Speak with your surgeon in advance of the procedure about any potential swelling. Swelling following various surgeries can be a sign of infection or recovery.
The following recommendations only apply to typical post-operative swelling; if you or a family member is experiencing unusual lumping or pain, contact your surgeon immediately.
4 weeks after facelift still swollen
It’s crucial to realize that each patient recovers at their own pace. It’s common to still feel some aftereffects of your surgery after 30 days, such as slight swelling, tightness, hard places, etc. Don’t panic if the symptoms persist; they might linger up to six months in some situations.
At your follow-up sessions, you can always discuss any worries with your doctor to learn more about the healing procedure.
Swelling timeline after facelift
Everyone will experience swelling differently after a facelift, but typically:
- Up to 60% of your swelling will disappear within the first two weeks following surgery. Still, after that, it will take longer for the remaining portion to go away.
- Up to 80% of the swelling will be gone after three months.
- 90% of the swelling will be gone within six months.
It can take almost a full year for the final 10% to ultimately go.
The swelling will often go down after three months; most patients believe this is when they look their best. At three months, the face tissues will still feel stiff. Therefore the patient will be able to recognize that the swelling has not entirely subsided. In general, the swelling will last longer if the middle face or cheek area is moved during the facelift.
Tips to reduce swelling after a facelift
Patients can use a variety of techniques to hasten the healing of swelling following surgery. Please be aware that not every patient may benefit from the strategies listed below. We recommend concerning your plastic surgeon with any queries you have.
- Wear a compression garment for a few days after surgery. The garment might need to be worn for up to a week if the treatment impacts the neck.
- Sleeping with your head elevated for the first two weeks following the treatment
- A low-salt diet before and after surgery can also help decrease fluid retention.
- You should frequently apply cold packs to the face for the first 72 hours following surgery to minimize swelling.
- Don’t engage in vigorous exercises, such as going to the gym.
- Use a gentle soap and water to wash your face, then gently pat the skin dry.
- Massage of the lymphatic system will reduce swelling. The healing process of sutures will also be aided by massage. Ten days afterward, engage in a light lymphatic massage once a week.
See your plastic surgeon, who will provide more direction if you have lumps and irregularities or are worried about facial swelling.
Remember that swelling will subside over time because it takes time to regenerate the lymphatic vessels.
FAQ related to 4 weeks after facelift still swollen
Any facial features close to the raised area may be impacted. Patients with detached earlobes (which hang freely and are not attached adjacent to the jawline before surgery) are more likely to experience earlobe swelling following a facelift. The unattached earlobe is a piece of tissue at the bottom of the ear. As ear lymphatic drainage runs downhill, it will collect in the detached earlobe, causing it to swell.
Tips to help swollen earlobes
– Avoid wearing heavy earrings at this time.
– Give yourself a light massage to reduce the swelling, and be patient.
– Earlobe reduction surgery is an option if you are worried about the size of your earlobes following surgery. Still, holding off on additional procedures is preferable until all post-facelift swelling has gone down.
The rehabilitation process is now past its most challenging stage. You can now resume the majority of your routine activities.
In light of this, paying attention to your body is critical. Pause if you feel worn out, frail, or passive.
Most people’s bruising and swelling ought to have diminished by this point. Some patients report typical tingling feelings. You might take pleasure in the surgical results.
– You can continue to engage in easy aerobic exercises like jogging or walking.
– You can also walk around the block or utilize a treadmill at the gym and start cycling slowly.
In the coming weeks, keep the tempo slow and gradually increase the intensity.
While exercising, keep an eye on your heart rate to ensure it doesn’t become too high. This action will lessen bruising and limit excessive swelling.
– Consume wholesome foods and a lot of lean protein.
– Drink plenty of water to be well hydrated.
– Sleep with your head elevated and on your back.
– Keep your incisions out of the sun’s direct rays.
– Dry and clean the surgical incisions.
– As directed, put on your compression garment.
Conclusion
Swelling is a common symptom after a facelift. Although it is reduced over time but can take up to a year to finish. 4 weeks after facelift still swollen face is typical, but if you are concerned and think it might not be expected, contact your consulting plastic surgeon, as he knows your condition the best.
You may also consider non-surgical facelifts like cryoskin to help you reduce signs of aging.
