Itchy scalp with no visible signs of disease 18 months after facelift, what could be the cause?

Question

I had a full facelift, with brow lift and neck lift in May 2017. After four months, my scalp began itching, especially at the crown. I lost a lot of hair at my crown, rather than along the scars. My surgeon gave me some Botox injections to relieve the itch at 6 months. I also went to a dermatologist who injected some anti-inflammatory meds in my scalp and prescribed some special shampoo. The hair I had lost at the crown all grew back. It is now November of 2018 and my scalp itches all over now, every day.

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

There is no known reason for this issue to develop. However, it remains a frustrating problem that can occur after any time there is an incision. It seems to be related to the nerves.  In almost all cases, it goes away after a few months (12-24 months), but in some cases it may never go away. The good news is that it does seem to decrease in intensity with time. Hang in there!

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI poodlelissimo,   I know exactly what you are talking about because I continue to have the same thing after my surgery. At a recent surgical conference, this phenomenon was discussed. It is called neurogenic itching and unfortunately, the surgeon who gave the talk said that it never goes away. From my own experience, I find that it flares with anxiety or if I experience stress in some way. The good news is that it does seem to get better over time. If it starts, it probably is best to try to avoid scratching which will only make it worse. When I am busy, I never get it at all, so in some sense, it is best if you can distract yourself from the itching in some way. Ice also seems to helps. I know that it sounds weird, which it is, but I do not know of any cure. Best Wishes,Dr. Christine Rodgers

Itchy scalp with no visible signs of disease 18 months after facelift, what could be the cause?

Answers (2)