facelift recovery question

[Lisa]

I am just over 4 weeks post-op from a face and neck lift. I believe it is called a mini face lift because it was done on the cheek and jowl area only.

The information I am seeking is this: What is the best way to help "hard pokets" in the jowl area? It is like a sore, swollen ball. Also, why does the skin appear to be loose? Are there specific creams that help this during the healing process?

Thank you for your time!

Lisa

[danya]

Without the benefit of knowing you or seeing you, or knowing the surgical technique employed, it is very hard to answer your questions.
In general, areas of firmness at 4 weeks post-op are usually from residual swelling or blood collected under the skin. They will go away with time. Ask your doctor about massaging the areas with your fingertips to speed the process along (but dont do anything without his approval).
There are no creams that will help this.
Regarding loose skin... again, I can't say without knowing your case in particular. There is a fine line between pulling tight enough to reduce skin laxity and pulling so much that the result is an overdone or operated on look. It's unlikely that the skin will get any tighter as you heal. It may still relax slightly.
It's wise to discuss this with your personal surgeon.

[Jackie]

Lisa:

I felt like I was reading about myself when I read your post. I am 10 weeks post op as of yesterday. I had the "mini" face/neck lift as well. I had, and still do have, the hard swollen pockets in the jowls. Yes, they have been sore and look like balls. I think they are smaller now, but they are still there and still hurt. My surgeon told me to massage gently with cocoa butter in an upward motion. I do that twice a day. Not sure if it helps, but I do it because he said it would help. I do believe the jowls will improve with time. As for the loose skin, I wish I had an answer. I have loose skin at the jowl area and under my chin. It drives me crazy! I've been told the skin will not tighten. My surgeon advised me to wait until the 6 month point to decide if I am happy or unhappy with the results. He said if I am unhappy, he can tighten the loose skin with more surgery after the first surgery is at least a year old. I dread the thought! His conservative approach was appreciated, yet hated at the same time since it probably will lead to more tightening. I have talked to a lady who had the same problem with loose skin. She had revision surgery 2 years after the first surgery. She had a different surgeon do the work. She loves it now.
Healing is difficult, but things do get better as time passes.
My best to you! Jackie