Neck lift complications, can this be corrected & when? (Photos)

Question

I had a necklift 2 months ago. I have a pixie ear, my neck looks horrible and I feel like I have a lateral sweep. Is this what I’m experiencing? Can this be corrected? If so, when???

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

You had a lower facelift as well as a neck lift.  The indentation on your cheek should resolve with time.  You also have a midline platysmal band which might be a suture, depending on technique.  Let it settle first, then at the one-year mark, suggestions about a revision can be made.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would recommend a secondary facelift/necklift. This can be corrected. I would wait until at least 6 months of healing before returning to the OR.

Jacob Tower, MD · Answer

Hello, hope you are well. Thank you for posting your photos and questions! You are correct about a pixie ear deformity, but it looks as though the opposite earlobe remains unattached. Your other issues (the appearance of the neck and a lateral sweep) are hard to judge from the photos. Some asymmetry and contour irregularity can be appreciated which can be normal immediately after surgery, but usually is resolved by 2 months out. In any case, at a minimum the pixie ear can be corrected but I would wait until the healing process has matured further. Realistically, the longer you wait (a year or more, especially if a more extensive revision face or neck lift is needed), the better your odds are for a positive revision outcome.
Best,Dr. Tower

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Just to be clear, the pictures show facelift incisions, and not an isolated necklift.  There are some elements that you describe that may resolve over time.  However, given the appearance of fairly easily avoidable pixie ears, a revision is most likely the best way to proceed at 1 year postop. I say easily avoidable, because pixie ears are a direct result of skin over-excision, suggesting a problem with the technique utilized. I recommend getting a few opinions of experienced facelift Surgeons.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

The earlobes can be revised. It is too soon to revise the face, but noninvasive radiofrequency treatments with micro-needling like Secret or Morpheus can be very helpful to continue to tighten and improve your skin.

Neck lift complications, can this be corrected & when? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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