How Long Should I Be Experiencing Very Painful Headaches and Swelling in my Temple Area Above Both Ears After a Neck Lift?

Question

It's been a month since my surgery and I did see my dr, who I do the the utmost confidence in,last week about this. He said it was just inflammation and to take one advil three times a day. That regimen did not help at all. I have been taking 3-4 advil three times a day and still having a lot of pain and swelling where he did the "tailoring" (feels like ridges) especially in the mornings and evenings. Is this normal? Thanks for your time!

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

4 weeks is still relatively early in healing process after your surgery.  There are still irritated nerves and tight muscles.  Be patient and continue to follow up with your surgeon as directed.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello linda jean While each patient is different, as a general rule, patients can expect to recover from their necklift in about three weeks.  During recovery, patients experience swelling, which should go down after two days, and bruising or discoloration, which will disappear in about two weeks.  While complications from this safe procedure are rare, the risk is still extant and will be discussed with you thoroughly by your PS.  The scars from your necklift may be noticeable for some time after your surgery, but they can easily be hidden with some make-up tips and tricks that you can learn from our experienced BioSpa staff. Your necklift scars will lessen in appearance and mature over the course of a year from your surgery.  It is after this time that the true restorative effects of your necklift result will be apparent.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Hello, and sorry to hear that you are uncomfortable following your procedure. After having a neck lift performed, it is not abnormal to experience headaches and have some residual swelling at the one month mark following your surgery. This should not persist for too much longer. In the meantime, I would recommend following up with your surgeon again. Let them know that the Advil did not help relieve your discomfort, and he or she may be able to recommend an alternative option that may provide you with some relief. I hope this helps, and best of luck with the remainder of your recovery!

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for patients to experience incisional pain for a few weeks following a facelift and brow lift. There is often a sensation of tension that accompanies the pain. Typically this discomfort will subside over the first couple of weeks of healing. In my experience, over the counter pain medications have been more than adequate after the first 10 day post op healing phase. It sounds like you are healing according to plan but I would continue to follow up with your surgeon to make sure that the healing process is progressing normally.

How Long Should I Be Experiencing Very Painful Headaches and Swelling in my Temple Area Above Both Ears After a Neck Lift?

Answers (4)