First bite syndrome 3 weeks after face and neck lift.

Question

The pain in both of my cheeks is unbearable at the first bite of each meal/snack. This started about a week ago and has gotten worse since. My cheeks/jaw are also still swollen and sore. In your experience, can patients develop FBS after a face/neck lift? My PS is very defensive and dismissive. Therefore, I'm grateful for this community and for some some insight as to the surgery being the possible cause before I tell my PS about it. Thank you!

Anthony Corrado, DO · Answer

In this situation I would recommend having an in person evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon, as there could be many different sources for your pain. Best of luck.

Basim A. Matti, MBChB FRCS · Answer

Hi, and thank you for your question. There are various reasons as to why you could be experiencing this pain and discomfort following your surgery. Most importantly, it is vital to rule out infection, and so I urge you to consult with your surgeon, or another medical professional, who can check you over to ensure that your recovery is going according to plan. As the pain seems to be increasing, I feel that this is the best course of action for you. All the best!

Ethan Philpott, MD · Answer

I have personally not seen any issue such as this arise.  however, it does bear investigation.  I would revisit this with your plastic surgeon.  Good luck, hope you feel better

Donald Nunn, MD (retired) · Answer

It is not uncommon to have some discomfort after a facelift with mastication; depending on the type of facelift done.  Some facelifts use a suture to tighten the underlying SMAS layer and the suture is tied to the deep temporalis fascia, which is over a muscle of mastication.  This discomfort should dissipate over time and generally is never a long-term issue.  Patients should remain on a soft diet during the early postoperative period until pain subsides.  Good luck.  Donald R Nunn, M.D. Atlanta plastic surgeon

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

HI, I have performed many facelifts over the past 30 years including many minimally invasive SMAS facelifts.  The pain you're describing could be from quite a few different sources, so it's best that you have an in person evaluation by your Facelift Surgeon to evaluate: your Occlusion, TMJ, the Parotid Glands and ducts as well as ruling out an infection or salivary leak into the tissues.  If necessary, you can have these evaluated by an ENT in your area.  You should of course follow all the post op instruction from your Facelift Surgeon.Hope this helps.

First bite syndrome 3 weeks after face and neck lift.

Answers (5)