Is there a possibility of hitting a nerve during FaceTite for neck?

Question

I want to try facetite to tighten the saggy skin under my neck (2 vertical bands hanging down). I have watched videos of the procedure and I'm worried about the probe hitting/heating a nerve and causing some sort of throat, neck, facial paralysis or numbness/weakness. Is this a possibility? Also, how much swelling is there afterwards and does it feel like you can't breathe in your throat? Thank you.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

yes you can and you need to see an expert. however, if you have bands you may need platysmaplasty most.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Stefan Mark Szczerba, MD · Answer

The only areas I get concerned about are near the jowls.  I have seen temporary weakness on right side of the face twice and I've made changes in the way I do the procedure to minimize the risk.  It's a great procedure and am so happy we bought the device early!  Best Wishes!!

Douglas M. Stevens, MD · Answer

There is a chance of nerve damage with this procedure. However, Facetite is done safely by using a large amount of tumescent which provides a safety feature by "puffing" up the area to stay away from the nerves. In regards to the two vertical bands, these are called platysma bands, which are muscles. These muscles cannot be treated with Facetite. These muscles would either be improved with surgery or with botox. There is a fair amount of swelling, mostly due to the amount of tumescent used.

Bradford A. Bader, MD · Answer

The FaceTite procedure is a great, minimally-invasive option for patients wanting to improve the lower face and neck without the risk and recovery associated with a formal face and neck lift. The procedure is very safe and injury to nerves are very rare. The reason is the probe is only placed in the space between the skin and the superficial muscle (platysma) of the lower face and neck. This is the layer where unwanted fat and loose connective tissue lives. The nerves that control the muscles of the face are below this muscle and an additional connective tissue layer known as fascia. The device has the ability to tightly control the temperature of the treated tissue which adds another layer of safety. There is always mild to moderate numbness of the treated areas that can last weeks because tiny sensory nerves do run through the space that the probe is inserted. These nerves do not provide input to muscle for movement, only sensation to the skin, and they regenerate fully with time. Swelling is usually moderate and most patients find the compression garment that is worn afterwards comforting. I've never had a patient complain about feeling like they cannot breathe

Is there a possibility of hitting a nerve during FaceTite for neck?

Answers (4)

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