Swelling duration clearly varies from patient to patient. In my experience, thinner patients tend to see a shorter duration of swelling than heavier patients. I typically tell patients that on average they will see their swelling gone down by about 2 months however, if they were to take careful photos at 6 months and compare them to their 2 month photo’s, slight improvements can still be seen. (Marc Schneider, MD, Fort Myers Plastic Surgeon)
It generally takes about 3 to 4 months for the swelling from a facelift to go down 100%. It varies from patient to patient. At times, it can take even longer than that, but in general, around 3 months is when swelling would typically be done. If you are still swollen past this point, I recommend consulting with your surgeon. (Carlo P. Honrado, MD, FACS, Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Most of the swelling should be resolved within 3 months of your surgery, but there could be some small residual swelling that could last up to 6-12 months as your continuing to heal and your scars are fading. (Jeffrey W. Hall, MD, Austin Plastic Surgeon)
Most swelling subsides within 3 months after surgery, but final results can take up to a year. (Thomas McNemar, MD, FACS, Stockton Plastic Surgeon)
How long before all the swelling is gone after Facelift?
In most cases, 80% of the swelling will be gone in the first 2-3 months. The remaining 20% can go away just as quickly, or, in some cases, take up to 6 months. In most patients, use of gentle massage, diuretics, or directed steroid injections can significantly enhance this recovery phase. (Evan Ransom, MD, Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon)
In my experience of over 3000 facelifts I would say that most acute surgical swelling is gone in 10-14 days… the rest of the swelling is gone entirely by 3 months. Surgery should be completely undetectable at 3-4 weeks except for the slightest swelling around the ears at this time. (Richard Galitz, MD, FACS, Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon)
It takes a year to see the absolute final result. Generally, most of the swelling is usually gone by 3 months. If you still have swelling after this, ensure that you are sleeping with your head elevated, and using compresses.
If you find that your swelling is prolonged, I suggest seeing your surgeon. It would be important to ensure you don’t have a cardiac etiology for prolonged swelling. (Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C), Toronto Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling and Bruising After 3 Weeks
Sometimes bruising does last longer than we want it to. It is very important to follow your post-operative care instructions and keep your follow up appointments so that your healing may be monitored by your surgeon.
Also remember to continuously communicate your concerns with your surgeon so that you may be seen throughout the healing process. (Vu Ho, MD, Plano Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after facelift
It is generally the rule that the majority of facial swelling is gone by 4 months. In certain cases, especially with advanced deep neck techniques, the occasional patient can take longer – up to a year. Continue with your aftercare visits. (Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD, Saint Louis Facial Plastic Surgeon)
How long does the swelling last after a face and neck lift?
In our practice with the techniques that we employ, most of the swelling is completely resolved at 3-4 months. Depending upon the skin type, techniques used and postoperative course, there are several issues that could be going on such as seroma/ hematoma formation and lymphatic edema.
It also depends on what type of suture techniques were used in the neck. Best to check with her original plastic surgeon. For many examples, please see the link below to our facelift swelling Photo Gallery. (William Portuese, MD, Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon)
In general, the swelling after a facelift/necklift is mostly resolved 4 weeks post-op.
Post Op Recovery After Face and Necklift
I normally have my patients stay in our post operative hotel with 24/7 recovery nursing care at which time we change the patient’s dressing and wash one’s hair and prepare them for their trip home.
You can be almost self sufficient after 2 days. The stitches after surgery are taken out at 7 days and the other half are taken out at 10 days. The patient can be in make-up and back out in the public eye within 10-14 days.
Exercise can resume at 3-4 weeks. (Rod J. Rohrich, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling at 4 months
Depending on how much work was done under the chin swelling and stiffness can last beyond 4 months. Burning and itching are transient signs of nerve recovery which mean that her numbness is improving. If you have any concerns you should have her follow up with her surgeon. (Sam Naficy, MD, FACS, Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling 2 Weeks after Facelift
Lumpiness and swelling should improve over the next several weeks. (Kenneth B. Hughes, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling 2 Weeks and 2 Days After Facelift, When Can I Expect this to go Down
It is common for the neck to take longer as the swelling on the face moves down towards the neck due to gravity, so the neck has to absorb more. Another couple of weeks should do it. (Julio Garcia, MD, Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)
Swelling after Facelift-what to expect after 2 weeks
Bruising and swelling are normal and should be expected. Most bruising lasts for 2 weeks but the swelling will last longer. The majority of the swelling will gradually disappear over the first 4 to 6 weeks. The times vary with each patient, but are reasonable averages.
The time also varies according the procedure performed. There are shorter recovery times for more minimal procedures. The time estimates given are for full facelifts in which the deeper layer called the SMAS is lifted completely.
You should discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon to determine what patients usually experience in his or her practice. In my experience, shorter recovery times are associated with more minimal procedures with shorter longevity of result.
As a patient you must have realistic expectations about your recovery. If you prioritize the quality of the result, then several weeks of swelling is usually an expectation. If you optimize quick recovery then the longevity of result is usually compromised. (Jay Burns, MD, Dallas Plastic Surgeon)