How can the neck bands and scarring be fixed after facelift? (photos)

Question

Today is 14 days after a neck & face lift. The surgeon put sutures in my cheeks and both sides of my neck PIC 1supposedly to pull and get better results. These sutures were removed 3 days post op except for the ones along my hairline which were removed on day 10. I have bands sticking out & thick scarring on both sides of my neck. There's also parts in my neck numb and very hard. Can the bands be fixed and how? What about the scarring?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Your face looks ok 2 weeks after face lift with exception of those posterior neck bands. You may ask your surgeon to consider plasing similar type of sutures in that area to flatten the fold.. It will improve in time if not addressed but molding it with sutures may be faster and more predictable. Numness is normal and it will gradually subside within 2-4 months both face and neck. Hope this helps.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

It's common to experience swelling, bruising, and numbness after a neck and facelift procedure, and it can take several weeks or even months for these symptoms to fully resolve. The appearance of bands and thick scarring on the neck is also not uncommon after surgery, but it's important to follow up with your surgeon to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns you may have.

If you have persistent bands, your surgeon may recommend further treatment, such as massage, exercises, or additional surgery to release or tighten the affected muscles. This will depend on the extent and severity of the bands and your individual healing progress. Your surgeon may also recommend the use of scar treatment creams or silicone sheets to help minimize the appearance of scarring.

It's important to continue to follow your surgeon's postoperative instructions, including keeping the surgical site clean and avoiding strenuous activity or direct sunlight, as these can affect your healing process. It's also important to attend your follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that any concerns are addressed promptly.

Best of luck !

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

the skin behind the ear tends to contract over time.  most of the time this will contract on its own, but sometimes an injection of steroid or laser can help.  consider consultation with your surgeon about normal healing after surgery with his/her technique.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. The folds that you see are probably a result of pleating which most often resolve on their own. The numb and hard areas may be related to the dissection and small amounts of blood. Most of these issues will resolve with the routine postoperative care that your surgeon must have explained to you. However, you should see your Plastic surgeon and have him/her help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Michael P. Morrissette, DDS, FACS · Answer

You are only 10 days out from a major surgery. This type of surgery requires a lengthy recovery. The surgical incisions look great and this looks like a well performed surgery. Neck bands tend to settle and improve with time. Numbness and induration (hardness) are normal for this surgery. Sometimes small touch-up are performed but I usually wait 6 months.

Sean T. Lille, MD · Answer

Dear gg122,  All that you are seeing is considered normal at this point in healing. All of that is caused by swelling and everyone has it to some degree. It's amazing how good this is going to look in the next few weeks. My staff and I are very careful to prepare our patients for this so they are not in a panic at this stage of healing. Please relax and be patient. Best Wishes.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The quilting is a new technique intended to prevent bleeding. The band a the back of the neck likely will improve with time. I think you are going to be fine

Robert Oliver Jr., MD · Answer

Not a fan of that "hemostatic neck" facelift approach you had  personally as it's not clear they look better over time and it's a very tedious apply method. (Not much juice for the proverbial squeeze)

Would give that band like area some time and gentle massage. That kind of thing can soften away remarkably over time. Otherwise, I think that will end up looking pretty nice as it settles in

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes you photos show excess neck skin that needs to be excised !!! That is the limitation of a mini face/neck lift with quitting! 
Seek redo neck lift . Fee $10,000

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