Stiff, Lumpy Neck 2.5 Weeks After Chin Liposuction

Question

I had chin liposuction 2.5 weeks ago. I've been to the surgeon he says the symptoms are normal but I would just like a reality check. My neck area is extremely stiff, lumpy, hard and numb. I am wearing the head band most of the day and all evening but am going back to work on Monday. For how long do I still need to wear the band in the evenings? I am massaging the area once a day in the bath for about 10-15 minutes. Is that enough? Tx

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not uncommon for patients to develop lumps and
bumps following liposuction of the neck. During the liposuction procedure a
cannula is repeatedly passed through the neck subcutaneous
tissue which removes cores of fat and creates a series of tunnels.

This process disrupts the neck lymphatics and also
causes cellular injury. This predictably causes swelling, scarring, and
bleeding which causes the lumps and bumps that are frequently seen following
this procedure.

The vast majority of lumps and bumps have resolved
in 2 to 3 weeks following surgery, but it’s not unusual for them to persist for
several months. For this reason, we generally recommend the use of a chin strap
and massage following neck liposuction.

Massage is easily accomplished by gently rolling
your fingers across the area. In some cases, warm compresses can be utilized to
facilitate this process. The majority of patients respond to these maneuvers
with flattening of the areas of bumpiness.

When patients fail to respond to massage, residual
fat may be the cause. Under these circumstances, additional liposuction may be
necessary.

It’s important to be patient and maintain good
communication with your surgeon. Your surgeon should be able to help manage
your lumps and bumps and alleviate your anxiety.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during surgery, small sensory #nerves are cut. Varying degrees of numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. This typically recovers fully in the months after surgery. 
As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek after a facelift. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely. If you ever have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Scar tissue formation peaks at 6 weeks. After this phase of healing, the body will "remodel", and all the scar and surgical area will soften.You are doing all the right things.- Dr Bryson Richards

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

At 2.5 weeks, swelling will be present, and you will need compression for at least 6 weeks. Healing in the neck is not fast, and takes time to completely heal. A gentle massage for 1-2 minutes 3-4 times a day should help you smooth out the area.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

You can areas of firmness and numbness after liposuction.  I would recommend massaging the areas 3-4 x a day.  You should wear your compression garment for 4-6 weeks.  Review your postoperative instructions with your plastic surgeon.

	Dr. ES

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is very common for the neck to be lumpy at 2-3 weeks after surgery and remain so for up to 6 weeks. Some doctors advocate the use of massage or manual lymphatic drainage but check with your surgeon first.

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

At 2.5 weeks you're very early in the healing process. By now your bruising should be subsided and the swelling should be 80% gone. Numbness or sensation changes are normal after any surgery and return over the next 12 weeks. Stiffness and Lumpiness is related to fat remodeling and will settle as you continue to heal. At this point you may want to start massage. Keep the compression garment on for 3 weeks total then you can wear it at night only. Goodluck!!

Carmen Kavali, MD · Answer

You should expect things to improve for at least the next 4-6 MONTHS! Give it time. Wear your compression garment as your surgeon has instructed, and consider asking your surgeon about lymphatic massage.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Numbness, small lumps and a stiff feeling in the neck skin is not unusual 2 weeks after Chin or Neck Liposuction. Moist heat, massage and wearing the Chin Strap or Compression Garment is the best therapy.

	If the skin irregularities or lumps get smaller after you massage and are getting better then chances are they will disappear. Most of these small irregularities are gone by six weeks. Numbness can take much longer to resolve as nerves heal very slowly.

	Any lumps that persist longer than 2-3 months are likely areas of fat that were missed during the Chin or Neck Liposuction.

	If this occurs a secondary or revision liposuction may be necessary, but wait 6 months.

Stiff, Lumpy Neck 2.5 Weeks After Chin Liposuction

Answers (9)