What are my options for lumps and cords: 5 months post-op isolated neck lift? (Photo)

Question

One side is soft and lumpy with drooping salivary gland and other is hard and lumpy with tight platysmal cords. Dr says give it another 3 months and then we will discuss options. Wondering if this is best or something more to do to get a good result?

Kevin M. Robertson, MD, FACS · Answer

You have a couple of options to consider while you heal, since time is truly your best medicine. The cords might be from muscle activity, which responds to botox.  Or they might be a bowstring contraction, which should be treated with an injectable steroid like kenalog.  Kenalog can also be used for a focal area of thickening, so those harder areas can also be addressed.  If the skin is loose, or you see fullness by the gland, then your best treatment is simple massage and time.The key is to continue to communicate with your surgeon.  He or she is committed to your happiness, and will always be your first resource for help.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to be experiencing some #lumps following a neck lift. Recovery from a neck and facelifts do vary per person and can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. Some degree of firmness or #lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.  It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. The #incision scars from a necklift  tend to “mature” or soften within six to twelve months from the surgery date. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

Did you have any bleeding in the neck afterwards ? did you have any trouble healing afterwards ? How much skin looseness did you have before surgery ? Did you have incisions around your ears or just under your neck ?You would probably benefit from eventually needing the neck lift revised. I will assume that you had a significant laxity (looseness of the skin), under the neck before surgery. You most likely will need more 'undermining' of the skin under the neck and jawline and with the use of incisions around the earlobes, removal of skin from behind the ears, that will improve the results. However, I do agree to the wait and see approach your doctor is suggesting to see how things eventually settle down.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

To improve your final results, I recommend a combination approach with thermage/venus legacy and Kybella/Ultherapy. I recommend getting a formal consultation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Val Lambros, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

of course none of us can feel the neck, but my bet would be that the fullness of what you see is fat and the ropiness and tightness is scar. Gland doesn't look like that.  did this procedure have incisions behind the ears? Or was it done from an incision under the chin?

What are my options for lumps and cords: 5 months post-op isolated neck lift? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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