A member asked:

How swollen do you get after a facelift?

19 doctors weighed in across 12 answers

Varies: The amount of swelling varies based on the surgeon, procedure performed and patient. Typically swelling for a lower facelift, alone, is reasonable and resolves, for the most part, within a couple of weeks. A hematoma (collection of blood under the skin) can result in prolonged swelling and bruising if not brought to the attention of the plastic surgeon in a timely fashion.

Answered 2/2/2015

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Depends: On technique ...Also perioo arnica, bromelaineand steroids help!

Answered 9/28/2016

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It can be variable: A lot depends upon the exact facelift procedure that is done, how long the surgery takes, if it combined with other procedures as well as meds that you normally take. It is most common to experience mild to moderate swelling that should resolve over the 5-days after surgery.

Answered 8/27/2014

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Depends: Depends on the type of facelift. The less invasive, the less you swell. Also, if you are in excellent health and follow your doctors' directions you will tend to swell less.

Answered 9/14/2013

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Varies...: The amount of swelling after facelift surgeon will vary from one technique to another. There is also variability among patients. On average, the majority of swelling has resolved within 2 weeks after the procedure performed and patients are usually able to return to most social activities. Best to run this question by your plastic surgeon who knows exactly what is planned. Best wishes.

Answered 8/27/2014

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Depends: Depends on the extend or the surgery and your body's physiology. Most swelling is gone by 3 months, however patients usually can appreciate a presentable results in 2-3 weeks.

Answered 9/28/2016

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Technique dependent: This really depends on the techniques used for the procedure and may vary with postoperative care to reduce swelling and may respond to chemical treatment as well.

Answered 12/11/2013

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Really Depends: The amount of swelling is highly dependent on the technique used. Lifestyle Lift and MACS Lift have generally mild swelling. Traditional facelifts have more moderate swelling. Deep plane facelifts have the greatest amount of swelling and it lasts the longest amount of time. Interestingly, studies suggest that there is no difference in the outcomes between any of the techniques.

Answered 8/27/2014

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Facelift: You can minimize swelling by following your surgeon's postop instructions.

Answered 11/23/2014

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Dr. Larry Nichter answered

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Swelling & Facelift: This depends on the extensive of the facelift, your blood pressure, salt intake and weather or not you keep your head elevated afterwards. Your maximum swelling usually occurs in 48-72 hours after surgery then diminishes

Answered 4/18/2016

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Dr. Michael Kulick answered

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Facelift swelling: There is NO exact answer to your question. You should look at web sites that have recent vs. long term results as well as seeking consultation from Board Certified Plastic surgeons in your area. This site is one option for you - http://www.drkulick.com/before-after-gallery-san-francisco/laser-assisted-vertical-facelift/

Answered 11/26/2014

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Depends on the lift: There are various types of face lifts including simple lifts where the skin is simply addressed (these are done less frequently now) to more effective and natural lifts where the SMAS or musculoaponeurotic layer is partially removed and resuspended superficially or in a deep plane. Either way swelling is mild and improves over a few days. It is usually in the aural, neck and mid face regions.

Answered 10/4/2015

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