AceShowbiz - Zach Gilford, known for his roles on "Criminal Minds: Evolution" and "Friday Night Lights", recently posted a series of startling Instagram Story images revealing his severely swollen face. The actor did not specify the cause of the inflammation.

In the first selfie, Gilford's eyelids were drastically enlarged, with his left eye completely shut. "Sooooooo... Yesterday was fun," he captioned the post.

A follow-up picture showed the swelling extending to his cheekbones and brow bones. Gilford joked, "Good thing we wrapped @criminalminds last week."

However, his final post provided some progress, showing that he could now open both eyes as the swelling subsided. Gilford expressed gratitude to the nurses, doctors and staff at Huntington Hospital for assisting in his recovery, acknowledging that there was "still a little ways to go."

Gilford recently revealed that he initially signed on for only one season of "Criminal Minds: Evolution" but was asked to continue. He also shared his excitement at having the opportunity to direct an episode of the show, praising the supportive atmosphere on set. The third season of the CBS procedural is expected to premiere on Paramount+ in early 2025.

While Gilford has not publicly disclosed his diagnosis, the Cleveland Clinic explains that facial swelling results from fluid buildup in the facial tissues. It can be a symptom of underlying conditions such as lupus or Cushing's disease. Common causes include allergic or drug reactions, facial trauma, and infections. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, antihistamines, or corticosteroids, depending on the cause.