Sore neck 2 days post face and neck lift, is this normal?

Question

Second day post op face and necklift but the back of my neck is so sore. Is this normal from the procedure? It really hurts when I wake up from lying down

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

A sore neck is well within the range of expected symptoms after a face and neck lift.  However, if you are concerned about pain levels after a surgery, you should contact your surgeon for the best advice.Best of luck!
Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Soreness in all different areas is common right after surgery.  This is especially the case of surgery involving the head and neck.  If something seems out of the normal, then you should run this by your surgeon.

Christopher C. Chang, MD · Answer

Yes it is not uncommon to have soreness in your neck or shoulders after surgery.  Occasionally this is because your neck was positioned during the procedure to tighten the skin as much as possible.  You should discuss with your surgeon if he is comfortable with any anti-inflammatory or pain medication before starting a new treatment.  
Best wishes and hope you feel better soon.

James Bonaparte, MD, MSc, FRCSC · Answer

Its not uncommon for people to have some stiffness in the neck after a facelift. However, if it is only 2 days after surgery, I would call your surgeon to double check. You certainly want to ensure there is nothing that needs treatment at an early phase like this. Dr James Bonaparte

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You likely had some tightening of the platysma or neck muscle behind your ear and are feeling the sutures in this area.  You should be careful not to turn your neck side to side too much during this early healing phase after surgery.

Richard A. Zoumalan, MD · Answer

A sore or stiff neck is common in patients who have just had necklift surgery. The soreness should subside on its own over time, but it is always best to consult with your surgeon in regards to your post-operative concerns.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

Yes, it is quite common for patients to experience a sore neck following a facelift. If it really bothers you, speak with your surgeon about pain medication or muscle relaxer. Best of luck.

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is normal to to be sore and in some kind of pain after a face and necklift. The length of your recovery will depend on which facelift technique is used, but most facelifts require a recovery period of 2-4 weeks. Bruising, swelling, and pain will usually subside in 1-2 weeks. If the pain is alarming then it is best to contact your plastic surgeon to discuss. Wish you all the best,Dr. Mentz

Summit Kundaria, MD · Answer

Annie325,
Thanks for your question.  Soreness is common after this surgery, and the area that you describe may be sore either due to surgery or positioning of your head during the procedure.  Either way, this should not be a lasting pain and should fade with time.  If it does not, do mention it to your surgeon.  Good luck!

Adam Goodwin, MBBS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

soa sore neck and in my experience sore ears are completely normal after facelift surgery. These can last weeks and I know of one patient who has had ear pain for many months after a facelift. Don't worry, all will settle with time. Adam Goodwin

Sore neck 2 days post face and neck lift, is this normal?

Answers (18)

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