Burning Feeling After Face/neck Lift?

Question

Four months ago I had a face/neck lift and lower eyelids, I look great! However, I still get a burning feeling in my face when exposed to heat (hot temperatures outside), laughing too hard, turning my head upside down (working out), or anything else that could cause my face to flush. I am very fair, thin skin, blonde, blue eyes, normal weight, healthy, early 50's. Is there anything I should do, not do, will this go away with time?

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

That is terrific that you had a face lift. Overall, it appears that your postoperative course was uneventful and you got a great result. When a face lift is performed, it is not uncommon to have some numbness in the cheek and neck area. As the nerve endings regenerate, they are occasionally irritable, resulting in burning, tingling, and itching. Almost always these sensations will subside with time. Sometimes anti-inflammatories may be helpful to get you through the rough times.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

A burning feeling four months after facelift signals final regeneration of some of the cutaneous nerve endings responsible for sensation. Over the course of the next few months, the sensations should become less and less.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about the issues you are experiencing. At four months, you are still healing, and your face is still going to be sensitive to various types of minor strains and exposure to heat. What I would recommend is to listen to your body, and not push yourself into anything that is uncomfortable. Be sure to wear sunscreen when outside. If something bothers you when you exercise, take a step back and go a little bit easier. This is something that should resolve itself over time, but until then, it is best to modify any activities that may aggravate the burning feeling. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon in the meantime, as he/she knows the extent of your surgery and will able to provide you with specific advice. I hope this helps, and good luck with your recovery!

Ben Lee, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your facelift! Regarding the flushing sensation that you have experienced, it's not unusual after surgery. When facelift incisions are made and skin flaps elevated, alterations in the bloodflow to the face are to be expected early on. This can result in the sensations you are experiencing. These can occur for several months after surgery but usually will resolve. Of course, communication with your plastic surgeon is vital and I encourage you to tell him/her about your symptoms.

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. When a facelift is performed, it is common to have initial numbness in the cheek and neck area. As the nerves reattach/reawaken, they are occasionally irritable, resulting in burning, tingling, itching, and lightening/electricity type feelings.

	 

	All of these sensations will pass with time. Medications may be helpful in severe cases, but most often reassurance alone is sufficient.

Burning Feeling After Face/neck Lift?

Answers (5)