Will this post-facelift stiffness ever end?

[Rani]

Or am I stuck this way? I had a neck, temple and facelift 9 days ago. I iced down constantly for the first few days and now I've switched to warm compresses. The doctor says my bruising and swelling is minimal and I'm right on track. But the stiffness in my neck, jaw, cheeks and on either side of my face is unbelieveably intense. I cannot smile like I used to- I don't have full range of movement so when I smile my lips curl back and make my teeth look like they are jutting out. Everything I read says these symptoms are temporary but I find it so hard to believe. My face feels so hard. Will it ever loosen up? I am only 40 so this was an early FL. I have a very respected surgeon so I am confident nothing went wrong. I am starting lymphatic massage weekly. I know healing time varies from person to person so if anyone can share some personal experience with this kind of post-op stiffness it would be greatly appreciated. But please no horror stories, I really need emotional support. Please reply. I am feeling very overwhelmed.

[Dawn]

Hi, Rani...don't worry, it's completely normal, and yes, it will go away. Now, if I could only convince myself of that...since I am sitting here having had a lower f/l and necklift a few days ago!! So, I'm feeling the same as you...and boy, am I swollen and hard. But I've read so much over the months on different boards, and I have to tell you, the stiffness and numbness will go away...everyone heals differently, so you can't judge by the few who say they never felt it, or some who complain about how long it takes to go away. If you've got minimal bruising and swelling, then you may very well be one of the very lucky ones who heals quickly!!! Nine days is certainly too soon to be worrying about how much longer it will all be stiff and numb...as it is a gradual healing process. Remember, too, that before long the numbness will be the only thing left bothering you, and you'll be able to forget about it. Then, at some point you'll realize it's gone and wonder when that happened, lol. Believe me, it will happen. Good luck!

[Rani]

Dawn Thank you so much for your encouragement. That helps so much!! Good luck with your healing process. You have a great attitude, keep it up. Thanks again for your reply .....Rani

Originally posted by Dawn:
Hi, Rani...don't worry, it's completely normal, and yes, it will go away. Now, if I could only convince myself of that...since I am sitting here having had a lower f/l and necklift a few days ago!! So, I'm feeling the same as you...and boy, am I swollen and hard. But I've read so much over the months on different boards, and I have to tell you, the stiffness and numbness will go away...everyone heals differently, so you can't judge by the few who say they never felt it, or some who complain about how long it takes to go away. If you've got minimal bruising and swelling, then you may very well be one of the very lucky ones who heals quickly!!! Nine days is certainly too soon to be worrying about how much longer it will all be stiff and numb...as it is a gradual healing process. Remember, too, that before long the numbness will be the only thing left bothering you, and you'll be able to forget about it. Then, at some point you'll realize it's gone and wonder when that happened, lol. Believe me, it will happen. Good luck!

[Dawn]

Glad I could help! Thanks to you, too, for the good wishes. Hope the rest is smooth sailing for you...the worst is over, just keep reminding yourself of that. !

[joy]

You should be fine soon. I had a facelift 5 years ago and it was the best thing I could have done [I was 51]. I healed nicely; you have to give yourself a full two weeks or a little more. I slept with my head up on pillows for the first few nights. I bet you look really good. You will be fine, have a little patience if you can. Trust your surgeon since you obviously have much confidence in him.
Joy