It is 8 days after my lower face/jowls/neckline surgery. I still can only drink juice or eat soft food. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I have severe pain in my jaws., both sides, up and down when I eat something other than soft food. When can expect this to change.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

From your limited photos it appears you are healing well and sorry for the discomfort with chewing. It should resolve soon for most. I often recommend sugarless gum after a week is still some discomfort.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your question, it is not uncommon to experience this. Some surgeons use stiches near an area where some of your muscles attach and it can cause a bit of tightness. It almost always resolves by 2 weeks. Stay positive and keep in touch with your surgeon.Dr Bonaparte

Jeffrey L. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Hi, Patsy!  Thanks for your question.  It's not exceptionally uncommon for my patients to have some mild discomfort with eating after a facelift procedure.  The tissues that are lifted and sutured overlie the strong chewing muscles in the cheeks (called the masseters).  As swelling and inflammation resolves, so should the discomfort.  Generally, 80% of the swelling is resolved by the end of the second week.  Use the pain medication as directed by your surgeon and follow the diet recommended.  I tell my patients to follow a no chew or soft diet early on.  If the problem does not improve or worsens, please see your treating surgeon.  I hope you find this information useful, and enjoy your more youthful appearance.  Salud!-Dr. SchmidtAs always, please remember that this response is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a patient-physician relationship.

Sean R. Weiss, MD, FACS · Answer

It occasionally happens that you will have discomfort with chewing following facelift surgery.  Usually this is short lived and can easily be addressed with anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen.  If the pain is severe, narcotic medicine can be used.  Once the inflammation has settled down most patients resume a normal diet within 1-2 weeks if not sooner.  It is always best to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Everyone heals at different rates and has different levels of pain after cosmetic surgery, including face/neck lifts.  While I would say that most people would be able to eat regular food within a week after a face/neck lift, it is possible that this could take longer for some people. The picture you provided does not appear to show anything worrisome, but I also do not know the details of your surgery and why you might have severe pain in your jaws.  If you have not already, you could contact your surgeon to be evaluated in person.

It is 8 days after my lower face/jowls/neckline surgery. I still can only drink juice or eat soft food. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Pain with chewing after facelift

Answer: Pain with chewing after facelift

Answer: Only able to eat soft food 8 days after face/neck lift

Answer: Only able to eat soft food 8 days after face/neck lift

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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It is 8 days after my lower face/jowls/neckline surgery. I still can only drink juice or eat soft food. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (10)

Answer: Pain with chewing after facelift

Answer: Pain with chewing after facelift

Answer: Only able to eat soft food 8 days after face/neck lift

Answer: Only able to eat soft food 8 days after face/neck lift

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.