Will TMJ or neck pain be a issue with neck lift or face lift?

It depends on the extent of the TMJ and neck pain. This is a conversation you need to have with the anesthesiologist prior to your surgery. There are times when TMJ does not allow patients to open their mouths wide enough for the anesthesiologist’s instruments. It is also important that you tell your surgeon about your neck pain, so that when you are anesthetized on the table, your neck is flexible enough for maximum surgical visualization. Please speak directly with your surgeon and your anesthesiologist. The more information you provide your surgeon and anesthesiologist, the better they can care for you. Please ensure that your anesthesiologist is board certified and very experienced. In my practice, I use hand-picked anesthesiologists who are extremely experienced and knowledgeable, and this aspect of the surgery is often not considered by patients when interviewing doctors. One of the disadvantages of surgery in a hospital is that the surgeon is not in charge of which anesthesiologist is assigned, as the hospital hires the anesthesia staff. In my AAAASF licensed facility, I have the ability to hire and fire as need be to ensure that the best anesthesiologists are taking care of my patients.

There should be no additional problems and/or increased discomfort after neck lift surgery in your case, in particular if surgery is done in twilight or local anesthesia to avoid neck manipulation that could exaggerate your pain. Long lasting local anesthesia may actually improve your pain for 10-12 hours after surgery! However, pain medications that you are taking for pain control need to be reviewed with your surgeon to avoid intra and postoperative bleeding. In person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon with good reputation in face/neck lifts would help. Good luck.

If a patient has pre-existing TMJ, there is a small possibility that the condition will be temporarily aggravated after the procedure.  Unfortunately, medications such as NSAIDS, typically used for relief of joint pain and inflammation, cannot be used for several weeks after as facelift.  Although there is some degree of neck discomfort after a facelift, it is usually related to the compressive dressing present for about 24 hours after the procedure. Severe and or lasting neck pain are quite rare after this procedure.

Dear Mieavitt, TMJ and neck pain are generally not associated with a facelift procedure. If a patient has a pre existing condition then this could be slightly aggravated with surgery due to the compression garment. Most patients voice concerns that their neck feels tight after facelift surgery however this is temporary and not painful.  Discuss any concerns you may have with your treating surgeon prior to surgery so you are fully informed. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.