Swelling is one of the most common side effects and complications after undergoing a facelift or regardless of the procedure, neck lift can cause swelling. Swelling generally peaks within three days and then gradually subsides. It is important to reduce your eyelid puffiness in order to get rid of any unwanted quincunx deformity with eyes swollen due to postoperative edema.
Swelling, fluid retention after facelift and neck lift are very normal. There are many factors that can contribute to swelling such as non-existent tourniquet, undersized incision, blood vessels damage, etc. In this guide, we review the aspects of Swelling After Neck Lift, fluid retention after facelift, neck lift swelling how long, and how to reduce swelling after neck lift.
Swelling After Neck Lift
I know it’s hard to be patient, but try to keep in mind that this is all part of the recovery process.
Swelling at the incision site is normal after cosmetic surgery.
Swelling is a normal part of the healing process. It’s caused by fluid buildup in the tissues, which can be uncomfortable but will go away over time. Swelling will often be most noticeable five days after surgery and may last for several weeks or more as your body slowly returns to its normal state.
If you have concerns about your swelling, contact your surgeon immediately so that they can help assess whether there is an issue with bleeding or infection (which may require treatment).
Swelling will gradually go down over time.
Swelling will gradually go down over time. The amount of swelling you have after surgery can be influenced by many factors, including the type of procedure performed and your age. Swelling may persist longer in some people than others. It’s important to keep your head elevated at night for several days following surgery to help reduce swelling around the neck area.
In some cases, the swelling may take months to fully recede.
In some cases, the swelling may take months to fully recede.
This can depend on a variety of factors including:
- Your age and general health
- The type of surgery you had (for example, if you had a facelift or neck lift)
Using ice packs can help reduce swelling and bruising.
Ice packs can help reduce swelling and bruising.
- Use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time, as often as you need to. Do not apply directly to the skin; use a towel or cloth between your skin and the ice pack.
- If you are using an elastic bandage, loosen it after 15-20 minutes of icing so that blood flow returns to normal levels in your face (this will prevent any problems caused by restricted circulation).
Lymphatic massage and compression garments can also help reduce swelling.
Compression garments can help reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. They are available at medical supply stores and online. Compression garments should be worn for the first week after surgery to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
We know it’s hard to be patient, but try to keep in mind that this is all part of the recovery process.
We know it’s hard to be patient, but try to keep in mind that this is all part of the recovery process. Swelling will gradually go down over time and some swelling may take months to fully recede. Using ice packs can help reduce swelling and bruising; lymphatic massage and compression garments can also help reduce swelling by improving circulation within the tissue around your neck.
fluid retention after facelift
Aging causes sagging skin and loss of volume in the mid-face. If you’re tired of trying cosmetic solutions like over-the-counter creams and serums, plastic surgery can give you more dramatic and noticeable results. Double board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Jaimie DeRosa is proud to take years off your appearance through a personalized facelift procedure in Boston, MA.
Even though patients at The DeRosa Center are excited about their outcomes, temporary swelling and inflammation should be expected during recovery. Our experienced team can explain the side effects of surgery when you come in for a facelift assessment. Learn how to reduce swelling with these simple but effective tips below.
Swelling after facelift surgery
Swelling and inflammation are normal during facelift recovery. Swelling may occur around the mouth, chin, or jawline, depending on the extent of your facelift procedure and where it was performed. Most patients can expect the majority of their swelling to dissipate after 3 – 4 weeks. A facial plastic surgeon like Dr. DeRosa can explain different ways to decrease swelling so you can enjoy a smoother recovery after facelift surgery.
1. Follow our post-operative instructions
Post-operative instructions are designed to make sure patients heal properly from surgery. Skipping these guidelines could cause major setbacks in addition to increased swelling and discomfort. Review your post-operative checklist with our team in Boston, MA, and feel free to ask questions if you are unsure about any points. These instructions may include:
How to keep the treatment sites clean and covered
Medications that reduce inflammation
Information about staying hydrated and eating well
The importance of avoiding strenuous exercise
2. Keep your head elevated
Patients should raise their heads as they rest so any unnecessary pressure and excess blood can flow away from the area. Female plastic surgeon Dr. DeRosa recommends sleeping with several pillows beneath your head or in a comfortable recliner with plenty of support.
3. Use cool compresses
People often use cool compresses to heal soft tissue injuries. This practice can also help patients who undergo facelift surgery. The cool sensation constricts the blood vessels and makes you feel more comfortable. Remember to give your skin a break from the cold every once in a while, and don’t apply ice directly to the healing skin.
4. Avoid heat sources
While cold can suppress swelling, heat can make it more prominent. This is why our facial plastic surgeon suggests staying away from heat sources during facelift recovery. Avoid spending time outdoors, using heat lamps, and taking hot showers in recovery. Stay inside by your air conditioner and try not to overheat yourself.
5. Stay hydrated and eat right
Hydration is an essential part of staying healthy while healing from facelift surgery. Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition allow your body to heal and reduce swelling. It’s also a smart idea to avoid excess salt intake since this could increase inflammation.
Meet with a facial plastic surgeon
After facelift surgery, patients do experience uncomfortable side effects, like swelling. A healthy recovery begins when working with a double board-certified female plastic surgeon like Dr. Jaimie DeRosa. The specialists at The DeRosa Center have a proven track record for outstanding results for countless people living in Boston, MA. We can walk you through the recovery process and let you know exactly what to expect.
neck lift swelling how long
Before you get a facelift, it is important to know the common side effects that come with the procedure. Patients tend to experience pain, bruising and swelling post-surgery — symptoms that will subside over time at different rates. Beyond the common side effects, some patients may experience ear discomfort or facial infection – two facelift concerns that we have outlined below. Keep in mind that every individual heals differently, but the healing process will not be overnight.
Facial Swelling
Facial swelling will take the most amount of time to fully disappear. A facelift disrupts your lymphatic vessels, causing the damaged tissue to hold more fluid. Redness and heat in the affected areas are caused by an increase in blood flow and movement of fluid to the area of inflammation. When the vessels reconnect and begin to function, proper lymphatic drainage will return and the swelling will go away.
Before the procedure, talk to your surgeon about possible swelling. For some surgeries, swelling can indicate healing or infection. The following guidelines regard normal post-op swelling — if you or a loved one is experiencing abnormal lumping or pain, consult your surgeon right away.
Swelling Recovery Timeline After Facelift
Swelling after a facelift will be different for everyone, but typically:
After three months, the swelling will usually not be noticeable, and in general, most people feel they look their best at this time. However, the patient will be able to tell that the swelling is not fully healed at three months because the facial tissues will still feel firm. In general, the swelling will be prolonged if the central face or cheek area is manipulated during the facelift.
Swelling after a facelift is normal and expected. Everyone heals differently—but some retain a little more fluid for a longer period of time. Most can return to work and play two weeks following the procedure, and on average, patients can be presentable with makeup in 14 days.
If the fluid is leaking from a closed incision, follow up with your surgeon. If it is a small amount of fluid, the body will eventually reabsorb it. If it is a larger amount, a drain and compression may be required. It’s important to drain the fluid to avoid potential infection, so the skin can properly tighten for a smooth facelift contour.
Post-Facelift Swelling Treatment Options
Every patient needs to be treated differently. We will need to examine your specific case in order to provide further instruction, but in general, we have a few tips to help keep your swelling down:
Keep in mind that swelling will return to normal as time passes — recreating the lymphatic vessels takes time.
Infection After a Facelift
Any type of surgery poses the potential risk for infection. The skin is a natural barrier against germs, so when the skin is opened during a procedure, exposure to unwanted bacteria increases.
It is important to treat any infection as soon as possible because infection will affect the facelift healing process and the final result.
Be aware of the signs of infection before you get your facelift, and be sure to call your surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Your surgeon will be able to determine the best course of action for you if your facelift incision site is infected or is starting to necrotize. Be sure to follow their instructions to get the facelift results you want.
If the facelift incision site is infected, the body’s immune system will initially kick in to destroy the bacteria before they settle and multiply. The healthier you are going into the surgery, the better your immune system will be able to fight off infection.
The first step to preventing infection is choosing a surgeon. Make sure you choose a qualified and experienced surgeon with a clean and sterile work environment.
Ear Issues After a Facelift
After a facelift, it is possible that any surrounding areas on the face or head can be affected. Every patient is different though – some patients will not experience intense symptoms, while others may experience symptoms at different stages in the healing process. Keep in mind that your surgeon is available for you to express any concerns or discomfort you may be having after a facelift.
Ears Burning After Facelift
Some patients may experience itching, burning, tingling or lightning/electricity sensations in their ears following a facelift. When skin is separated from underlying tissues during a facelift, small sensory nerves are cut. As these nerves reconnect to the skin, varying degrees of numbness may be present. As the nerve endings regenerate and awaken, they are occasionally irritable, causing patient discomfort.
The nerve reconnection process can take from two to six months, but the uncomfortable sensations should diminish in the first month after surgery. During this phase of the healing process, ice, anti-inflammatories and gentle massage can help the discomfort.
If you have concerns about the facelift procedure and the healing process, discuss them with your surgeon, no matter where you are in the surgical process.
Earlobes Swollen After Facelift
Any features surrounding the lifted area of the face can be affected. Earlobe swelling after a facelift is most common in patients with detached earlobes (before surgery), meaning that their earlobes hang freely next to the jawline and are not attached. The detached earlobe is section of tissue at the bottom of the ear, so, as ear lymphatic drainage flows downward, it will gather in the earlobe making them swollen.
Engage in gentle massage to help relieve the swelling, avoid heavy earrings and be patient at this time.
If you are concerned about the size of your earlobe(s) after surgery, earlobe reduction surgery is an option, but it is best to wait until all swelling has subsided after a facelift to pursue any other surgeries.
how to reduce swelling after neck lift
When it comes to facial surgery, post-operative swelling can cause a lot of discomfort. While most patients experience a very minimal amount of pain, it can be uncomfortable to feel tightness and swelling around the mouth, chin, and jaw. While these responses are the natural way that the body responds to change, you don’t have to suffer your post-facelift symptoms in silence. With these go-to tips to reduce swelling, you can have a smooth and easy recovery following your facelift surgery.
Pay Attention to Post-Operative Instructions
During your consultation, your facial plastic surgeon will go over your after-care instructions to help you make sure your incisions heal well and your recovery starts off smoothly. Skipping any of your surgeon’s instructions could cause major setbacks to your healing process, often causing additional swelling, pain, and discomfort. Go over your post-operative care checklist with your Facelift cosmetic surgeon in Beverly Hills plastic surgeon to make sure you are doing everything you can. These instructions will likely appear on your list:
Stay Away From Heat to Reduce Swelling
There’s a reason we use cold compresses to help heal a stubbed toe or bruised elbow: the extreme cold helps fight inflammation and constrict the blood vessels. Not only does cold help suppress swelling, but it can help numb the nerve endings in the area and reduce pain and discomfort. Heat, on the other hand, does quite the opposite when it comes to the healing process. In fact, heat sources can increase blood flow to the area and the amount of swelling that may result.
After your facelift surgery, you should avoid sitting too close to lamps, discontinue the use of indoor sun lamps, and stay out of the heat for up to six weeks. If your procedure is performed in the summer months, stay inside by your air conditioner. If it’s wintertime, keep the heat on a lower setting to avoid overheating yourself as you try to rest and recover.
Give Your Face a Reason to Chill
As previously mentioned, cold compresses are your best friend when it comes to reducing swelling after any surgery or even any injury. Your swelling can go down, as well as any bruising and redness. You’ll even feel a brief reprieve from any pain and discomfort. Make sure you use cold compresses that are tightly sealed and won’t leak all over you. Follow your instructions closely about when and for how long you can apply these compresses. You don’t want to cause any damage by overdoing the cold during this critical period.
Keep Your Head Up to Improve Healing
It might seem strange to talk about your sleeping habits with your plastic surgeon, but it can actually be a very important point about your recovery. He will most likely recommend propping your head up as you sleep, as well as when you sit back in a chair to watch TV. Keeping your head elevated is an easy way to reduce the pressure placed on this area as it heals. You will notice the blood flow moving away from your treatment area and the swelling gradually subsiding. As you heal from your facelift, you can be working to help your body even while you’re sleeping!
Remember to Rest As Much As You Can
Once you’ve got those pillows propped up and you’re nice and comfy, let yourself relax. Healing is something the body must do on its own. Sometimes, there are things we can do to help it to jumpstart that healing. Other times, it’s important to give it the energy it needs to do the healing on its own. By resting, relaxing, and getting plenty of sleep, we can empower our bodies to heal quickly and completely. Prepare your mindset before your surgery so that you are able to make the most of this post-operative time. Try thinking of it like a mandated vacation and you might enjoy the excuse to catch up on your reading!
Get Ready for a Successful Facelift and Recovery
A good recovery, complete with great results, begins with a well-chosen facial plastic surgeon. Work with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a track record of proven results in order to get minimal post-facelift swelling and incredible results.
Begin the planning stages of your Facelift Los Angeles procedure today by booking a consultation with Dr. Andrew Frankel, board certified in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (ENT). His focus is on facial rejuvenation, especially through procedures such as the facelift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery, as well as rhinoplasty. Since 1994, Dr. Frankel has been practicing at the Lasky Clinic and earned recognition as an expert in his field. He has many publications on a variety of topics including midface lifts, Botox, rhinoplasty, and more. To consult with Dr. Frankel, contact the Lasky Clinic located at 201 South Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills, California. Call 310.552.2173 to schedule your appointment today.