I had a deep plane Face lift/brow lift, why do I have this pain? (photos)

Question

Do I have nerve damage? Is something wrong? Will this pain ever go away? It's been two months now and for the past month I've had cronic pain of tingling, skin crawling, burning type pain 24hr a day ONLY on top left side of scar. Can't sleep or conduct a quality life style.

Brock Ridenour, MD · Answer

The type of incision that you have shown provides a strong brow lift and is often used to lower a high hairline. The relative disadvantage of this type of incision is that it always results in the disruption of the small sensory nerves that innervate the scalp. The immediate result is profound numbness of the scalp that slowly resolves over a 12-18 month period.  As the nerves grow back, it is not uncommon for the patient to experience periods of intense itching, burning, tingling and occasional electrical shocks. However, the pain that you describe is a little different because it is focal in nature. This could be caused by scar tissue enveloping a small nerve, pressure from a deep suture, or from a traumatic nerve growth (neuroma). Treatment varies but can include massage, steroid injection and the removal of painful suture(s). The  injection of a small amount of Botox into the painful area has been shown to help in some cases of neuropathic pain.  There are also a variety of medications that help manage nerve pain including amitriptyline, carbamazepine and pregabalin. These solutions are best discussed in consultation with your surgeon. Best of luck.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after surgery. Please keep in touch with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your ongoing concerns.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There may be some inflammation around the cutaneous nerve behind your ear. Small amount of local anesthesia administered by your surgeon should immediately cause pain relief. Steroid injections that same area should help out until healing is complete and the pain goes away on its own.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Most facial rejuvenation procedures require incision and dissection to varying degrees. This surgical process often times creates trauma to sensory nerves. The process of recovery of these sensory nerves is accompanied by all of the sensations that you describe. Most likely, what you're feeling - is a road to recovery.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

The incision that you are exposing in the photo most likely caused 
transection of sensory nerves.  You could have developed a neuroma at the site.  
Only an experienced surgeon with lots of experience with this type of surgery 
can properly assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatment.  Good 
news is that this type of pain can be significantly improved with proper 
treatment and passing of time.  The best of luck to you.

I had a deep plane Face lift/brow lift, why do I have this pain? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: I had a deep plane Face lift/brow lift, why do I have this pain?

Answer: I had a deep plane Face lift/brow lift, why do I have this pain?

Answer: Scalp pain after an open brow lift

Answer: Scalp pain after an open brow lift

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I had a deep plane Face lift/brow lift, why do I have this pain? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: I had a deep plane Face lift/brow lift, why do I have this pain?

Answer: I had a deep plane Face lift/brow lift, why do I have this pain?

Answer: Scalp pain after an open brow lift

Answer: Scalp pain after an open brow lift

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.