3 weeks post-op. I can't open my mouth all the way. What is the usual outcome of a situation like mine? (photos)

Question

I know it's been only 3 weeks out from my full facelift but I can't open my mouth all the way as it is so tight and pulls my skin on my neck as it does with my smile. When I try to smile the nerve is not working on the left so it looks like I have had a stroke, which I know I havent. I'm very upset about this and wh add t is usually the outcome of my situation? Thank you for any help at all about my situation.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question and I understand your concern with your current appearance. While it is likely this side effect will be only temporary, I recommend a visit with your surgeon for a full, in-person assessment. At this point in your recovery, your surgeon should be following you regularly to ensure your healing process is progressing well and to address any concerns that might arise. In most cases, situations like yours resolve within three to four months.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

This is a facial nerve injury until proven otherwise. Most of these resolve with time. You need a VERY confident and experience board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in the face/neck. Ideally this surgeon completed 6 years of integrated plastic surgery training followed by a 1 year aesthetic fellowship endorsed by the Aesthetic Society.

Gurkan Kayabasoglu, MD · Answer

Hello,You are in  very early healing phase of your surgery and based on your photos you have unevenness and weakness. In early phase this can occur sometimes, within time, by dissolving edema and swelling it can be corrected. You need to consult your surgeon and follow up given instructions.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You need to make a follow up appointment with your surgeon.  This will depend on what facelift you had, depending on how long the swelling will last. 3 weeks after surgery you will still be swollen.  I would suggest waiting until 6 weeks - 3 months to see where you are.  All The Best

Richard Balikian, MD · Answer

At three weeks out from surgery, it is normal to have swelling that can lead to tightness and temporary inactivity of the nerves. However, it is important to follow up with your surgeon to fully assess the activity of your nerves and your skin. Sometimes the hibernation of nerves lasts a few weeks and sometimes can take longer. Follow up regularly with your surgeon to follow up and make sure there is improvement of the nerve function.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.    I recommend to see your doctor. This condition can be cause for a number of reasons but you need to be seen in the office to be asses properly.

Ercan Karacaoglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Recovery after face lıft varies from people to people. Some sort of weakness can happen and it is temporary. You are best to return to your surgeon for exam and evaluation.

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear GiajaxwalThank you for your questions and photos!  I am sorry that you are experiencing difficulty.  Everyone recovers differently from surgery. You are best to return to your surgeon for follow up.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

At this stage, three weeks post-operation, it's not uncommon for certain limitations to be experienced. However, I strongly recommend scheduling an appointment with your doctor for an in-office evaluation. A thorough assessment is crucial to understand the underlying factors causing this issue.

While there can be several reasons for such limitations in mouth opening, a personalized evaluation will provide the clarity needed to address your specific situation.
If you'd like, I'm available for consultations to discuss your concerns and explore potential solutions.

If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me at chopraplasticsurgery.com.

Tanya Judge, MD · Answer

Hi,
Asymmetry after a facelift is not uncommon, neither is the tightness you are feeling.  At this stage, you should be followed by your surgeon very closely to follow along in the progress of your asymmetry (due to the nerve in your case is what it sounds like).  In most cases, nerve issues resolve but can take 3-6 months depending on the cause which can range from swelling/inflammation of the tissues around the nerve to injury to the nerve.
See your surgeon for an exam and assessment regularly through your recovery.
Best,
Dr. Tanya Judge