Depending on the type of facelift, some patients may experience some mild swelling around the incision.  You may be surprised at the degree of swelling during the facelift.  Swelling around incisions are common, it is due to your body’s normal response to tissue injury.  However, swelling should completely subside within a couple of weeks following surgery.

Ways to Reduce Swelling after a Face Lift

For the first few days following surgery, the wound will be packed with bandages.  Bandages are usually kept on for 24 to 48 hours following surgery.  Your plastic surgeon will give you instructions on how to keep swelling down after surgery.  You may need to see your surgeon several times during the first couple of weeks after surgery.  The surgeon will want to clean the incisions and if you have a drain, remove fluid.  Sutures, stitches, are usually removed by the fifth or six day post-operatively.  Clean your wounds with water or hydrogen peroxide.   Keeping your head elevated is another important way to reduce swelling following a facelift.  Remember mild swelling is the body’s own way of healing and preventing infection so you should expect some swelling especially in the first few days after surgery.

What Not To Expect from Facelift Surgery

• Sudden appearance of swelling that is severe.  The swelling should gradually get better after surgery.  
• Fever of one hundred degrees F or higher
• Severe or persistent pain
• Popped stitches
• Milky discharge from incision sites.  Redness around incisions that does not subside.

If you have any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately.  Remember to consult a board certified, licensed plastic surgeon about swelling following surgery.