I'm scared. Any suggestions? (photos)

The best advice I can give you in regards to your fear of throat tightness after your scheduled facelift is to discuss this with your surgeon.  The facelift procedure will not cause your throat to tighten but your potential anxiety could possibly affect how you feel in the recovery period.  Your surgeon should be made aware of this issue so that it can be monitored and potentially treated.  

I would definitely recommend discussing these fears with your surgeon before proceeding with your facelift. While the facelift itself will not cause that amount of tightness in the throat, a general feeling of tightness is absolutely to be expected after your surgery, and your anxiety may lead to significant discomfort. There are medications available that can help to calm anxiety pre- and post-op that may be able to help you get through it, but you should discuss this with your surgeon and decide whether or not this facelift is a good idea for you. I hope this helps.

Hello,Thank you for your question. Anticipating this problem and planning for it is a good idea. It may be best to be prepared with a plan for anti anxiety medication and interventions. Many people share your concern and your Plastic Surgeon will be able to help you plan for dealing with it.All the best

#Facelift: tightness of the neck after surgeryThis will feel tight when the skin and muscle are pulled. The dressing , if used, also may feel tight.Your surgeon can be more conservative.  post op anti anxiety medication may be helpful

Make sure to share your concerns with both your surgeon and anesthesiologist. It sounds as if your throat tightening is related to anxiety so treating the later with some type of medication may be the solution, but your surgeon will be the best person to decide the right course of action. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Yes, I believe that you might feel panicked if you do't figure out a way to deal with the tightness beforehand. Maybe hypnosis would help. Of course speaking to a therapist might be best.

Thank you for your concerns. I recommend learning ways to deal with the sensations that come along with your stress before the procedure, as much as possible. You will feel tightness throughout your face after the procedure, although the sensation will not be connected to your stress therefore it may be less scary. Speak with your surgeon regarding your fears to help ease your nerves. All the best,

It is very common to have anxiety related to any surgical procedure especially facelift.  It is important to communicate this to your physician and asked him or her to give you some medication to help calm your nerves.You will need that medication even in the postoperative time as there will be tightness in the neck from pulling on the neck muscles and stitches.RegardsDr. J

you may feel tightness following the procedure, but your breathing should be without limitation.  If you have anxiety and claustrophobia, discuss this with your surgeon prior to the surgery, and he can help guide you though the healing process with out too much stress.  Best regards. 

Proper treatment of the neck can leave a patient with significant tightness. This should be discussed with your surgeon. There is medication to help deal with the anxiety. The surgeon can also adjust addressing afterwards so it is not restricted. All of this must be discussed carefully in advance so the postoperative course is not unpleasant.

A facelift should not affect your airway adversely; however, you will feel tightness with any lower jaw motion.  You may benefit from staying overnight in the hospital for observation to ensure you are comfortable.