Are these my internal sutures snapping?

Question

I had a complete facelift 3 1/2 weeks ago. I'm very happy with my appearance now; however, I'm still a little stiff and when I turned my head (not too far) I felt a sort of snapping like guitar strings breaking, it happened in my jaw as well. It's a painful now in my neck under my chin where the snapping took place. Are those my internal sutures, should I be concerned?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear about the issue you experienced following surgery. After 3.5 weeks, you are still going to have significant stiffness from your surgery. In general, the side effects of a facelift can include the following:

	1) Swelling
	2) Redness
	3) Bruising
	4) Stiffness
	5) Tenderness

	The snapping you felt was likely a result of scar tissue, but without knowing the details of your surgery it is difficult to pinpoint the problem and say for sure if they were your internal sutures. This should not be of great concern, but I would recommend speaking with your surgeon. He/she knows the extent of your surgery and will be able to advise you. I hope this helps, and best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

This snapping sound could have been suture or it could have been scar band.  If your contours have not changed, then you are likely fine.  Followup with your plastic surgeon for confirmation.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

the snapping my have been sutures breaking..   i wouldnt do anything now but let it all heal and see if you look fine in 3-6 months

Jonathan Pontell, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi. I tell patients not to turn their head too much for the first 6 weeks after facelift surgery to prevent sutures in the muscle layer from tearing. I tell patients that they can turn until it feels tight. I recommend that they turn at their waist more than at the neck.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

3 1/2 weeks is still in the initial stages of the healing process following a facelift. It is not uncommon to have all sorts of strange sensations at this stage of healing. Typically, by 3 1/2 weeks the muscle layer will already be partially scarred down and providing some strength to the lift meaning that the sutures are not doing all of the work. It may also be scar tissue forming in the neck as well. If you appear to be healing normally I would not be too concerned about it. Regardless, you would need to wait several months to have any revision work. Make sure that you follow up with your surgeon so that he or she can closely evaluate and make sure there is nothing that needs urgent attention.

Are these my internal sutures snapping?

Answers (5)