Side Effect: Swelling of the Face

What is Swelling of the Face?

Swelling of the face, also called facial edema, is a condition characterized by excess fluid in the tissues of the face.

What does Swelling of the Face look like?

Facial edema can look different depending on the underlying cause. It may cause the face to appear puffy, swollen, and tight. The skin may also appear shiny and stretched. The eyes may become swollen and difficult to open. The lips may also become swollen. Patients may feel pressure or tightness in the face as well as pain or discomfort in the areas of the face that are swollen.

Who gets Swelling of the Face?

Facial swelling can happen due to infections, allergic reactions, trauma to the face, cancer, or the cancer treatment itself. Patients with head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma are at higher risk for developing facial edema. Radiation or surgical procedures to the head or neck area can cause lymphedema (build up of lymphatic fluid in the tissues), leading to facial or neck edema.

How to prevent Swelling of the Face

Preventing facial edema can be challenging, since it most often arises as a side effect of treatment or other cause. Patients may benefit from lifestyle modifications such as reducing salt intake, avoiding alcohol, and avoiding allergens or other triggers that may worsen the swelling.

How to treat Swelling of the Face

Treatment of facial edema depends on the underlying cause and severity. Compression garments or bandages may be used to help reduce swelling. Medications may be used to reduce inflammation and remove excess fluid. If the swelling is caused by an allergy, anti-allergy medication may be prescribed. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove fluid from the affected tissues.