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Could I Have Ruined my Facelift From Neck Strain While Off-Roading? (photo)

asked 8 months ago by meesh in Pensacola, FL
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 347 times
Tags: neck, 1 month post-op, damage, edema, strained

I had facelift 33 days ago. Followed all instructions, to the "T" 1st 3wks. Couldn't notice edema by POD14 & response was great. POD24-6 went on offroading wkend trip. Didn't realize strain I put on neck. Got home very swollen/tense & it doesn't seem to be getting much better, after po pred x4d, constant support wear, rest, freq ice & elevation. Muscle tension seems worse, edema looks less but doesn't feel better. Could I have permanently compromised results? Will I get POD9 definition back?

11 answers to Could I Have Ruined my Facelift From Neck Strain While Off-Roading? (photo)

Postoperative recovery after facelift

It is unlikely that you have "ruined" your facelift. However, your post does offer a cautionary tale for prospective facelift patients. Having been limited in their level of activity in the immediate postoperative period, many patients burst out of the gate aggressively shortly thereafter in an effort "to make up for lost time." Most of the patients who have behaved in this manner will tell you in retrospect that it is never worth it. Even if there is no permanent... more

Peter G. Lee, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Off roading after facelift

You're probably going to be just fine. Edema (swelling) will persist after the facelift for months, and will fluctuate depending on your activity level, position, application of compression garments, and perhaps salt and fluid intake, medications you are using, etc. The general trend of this swelling is to slowly resolve. Check with your plastic surgeon though if he/she wants to see you to check it out, or, if you're anxious about it, perhaps best to go in for check up. more

Steve Laverson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

feelbeautiful.com

Off-roading with a new face

It is very unlikely that after 3 weeks you have 'ruined' anything. You probably just have some swelling and tightness of your neck muscles.

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Facelift - Could I Have Ruined my Facelift From Neck Strain While Off-Roading?

Unlikely...but to be sure, you should touch base with your PS. It sounds like you followed all required post-op instructions, even if you - however unintentionally - overdid it after that. But the good news is that it's pretty normal for swelling to go up and down anyway, and certainly if there was some stress or trauma. I suspect you'll be fine; you just have to give it a few months (for everything to settle down). In the meantime, touch base with your PS... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Facelift, exertion, and post-op compliance

Adherance to post-operative instrutions is critical for timely healing and a good result, especially regarding facial rejuvination surgery. It sounds like you were compliant with your surgeon's instructions and your photos don't appear to reveal any hematomas. Exertional activity more than 3 weeks after a facelift should not have any adverse effects on your ultimate outcome. However, your experience illustrates how sensitive the face and neck can be even beyond the three week healing... more

Todd C. Miller, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

Compromised Facelift Secondary to Neck Strain.

It is unlikely you did any permanent harm to your neck by off-roading 1 month after your facelift, but final healing my be delayed. I suggest you consult with your surgeon.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Problems after a facelift, possible injury

I cant really see much on the photos.. if there is no discoloration , bleeding or hematoma is unlikely. swelling not unheard of after increased activity.. ice elevation , celebrex can help syptoms. obviously have your doctor examine you .

Jed H. Horowitz, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.pacificcenterplasticsurgery.com

Postop Neck

At day 33 your neck still looks much better than the preop. Ask your doc if you can have lymphatic facial massage. Be patient. It looks like all will be well.

Richard Sadove, MD
Gainesville Plastic Surgeon

www.sadovecosmeticsurgery.com

Exertion 4 weeks after Facelift

I doubt that you have harmed your facelift results permanently from your activity. In fact, our facelift patients have routinely returned to their activities after 4 weeks. Fluctuating swelling though is normal and may be temporarily worse with exercise. The result may look much better at 9 days after the surgery - especially if a "mini-lift" has been performed. if your neck and jawline continue to worsen over the next 3 months than it is most likely due to the... more

Frank P. Fechner, MD
Worcester Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drfechner.com

Bruising after facial surgery

You have discovered a valuable lesson about postoperative surgery in general. As well as you think you are progressing, excess movement, or exercise may still cause facial swelling and even bleeding in the first several weeks. Bleeding is known as hematoma formation, and may require a secondary operation for blood removal in some cases. In your case, however, I believe you will only experience some swelling that should settle and disappear soon, however. Please... more

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Edema after post facelift exertion

Exertion three weeks post facelift should not seriously affect the outcome-although in New York City, where we're lucky to go 5 mph in traffic, I am by no means an expert on off road vehicles. If you drove at high speeds on rough terrain. This could result in some bruising which should resolve within several weeks. At that point, you will be able to assess the outcome.