Is Greater Tightness & Discomfort on One Side Vs. the Other Normal After Facelift?

It is certainly reasonable to have tightness that is different on one side versus the other.  The response/healing process can differ from side to side.  This difference may be due to many factors.  

Dr. ES

Hello, and sorry to hear about your discomfort.  The side effects of a facelift, which can vary depending on the type of facelift that was performed and the severity of the patient's issues, may include the following:

 

1) Swelling
2) Bruising
3) Temporary numbness
4) Nerve injury that is usually temporary but can sometimes be permanent
5) A feeling of tightness

One of the goals of a facelift is to lift and tighten the skin of the face and neck.  In order for the results to be long lasting, tissues deeper than the skin have to be lifted and tightened.  This will causes a tight feeling in the face and neck which is a sign that the proper tissues were lifted.  This is an uncomfortable feeling after surgery, but the feeling will greatly improve or resolve 6-12 weeks following surgery. However, every patient heals differently, and the tightness may last longer. Massage and exercises that improve the range of motion of your neck will help to improve this tight feeling. I do not recommend these movements unless the patient cannot tolerate the tight feeling because they will loosen the tissues that were tightened for the facelift.   The fact that you are experiencing this tightness only on one side is not any cause for alarm, as we all have asymmetries that may cause us to heal different. Your surgeon may have had to perform more invasive work in this region to correct for issues that may have been different on that side. I would recommend speaking with the surgeon who performed your procedure to determine how you may safely ease some of the tightness if it is causing you discomfort.  Thank you and good luck!