My neck is really stiff 4 months after Facelift, is this normal?

Question

I haved a facelift and neck lift 4 months ago but i still feel my neck so tight is an horrible sensation and I went to see my sergeon but he insist that it take some time. My prosedure wasn't drastic it was practically a refreshness is that may be the reason? I am really sad I've try warm wraps, i massage myself too even those icy-hot patches please there is something else I can do and it really will go away. Thanks

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Having next stiffness four months after a facelift is a bit unusual. It sounds like you've done all the things that you can to alleviate the symptoms and the problem. At this point I would recommend physical therapy. Also possible evaluation buy a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS,FACS

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Most patients are no longer complaining of neck tightness after 4 months but occassionaly it occurs. Massage and stretching exercises sometimes helps especially if there is a spasm component. See your plastic surgeon  for his opinion as he/she would be the most knowledgible of your procedure and what to expect.

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

I agree with colleagues that it is unusual to feel significant stiffness in the neck four months after surgery.  It could be related to the specific procedure done in the neck, consulting with your surgeon is the best course of action.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Patients heal at different rates but most the time of four months stiffness of the neck is not an issue. I think it will improve as time but this is something worthy of reporting to your plastic surgeon.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

I concur with the other opinions that at 4 months after surgery it is unusual to still feel tight.  If the neck lift was done with spanning sutures, these may be the cause.  Ask your surgeon what procedure he performed and when he expects normalization of these symptoms.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

I am sorry about your continued tightness following your facelift. Full healing takes a year. Your symptoms are a little unusual at this time, but everyone heals at a different rate. What you are doing to help alleviate the uncomfortable sensations is correct. Massage and heat treatments are the best therapies. You might also try some ultrasonic therapy. Please be patient, it will go away.

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

To best answer this question you should be examined in person. There are several reasons that you may feel stiff.  Numbness of the neck after surgery alone can give one the perception of stiffness. This can take 6 months are greater to improve. Also, some people subconsciously reduce the amount that they move their neck after surgery, which can lead to stiffness in that area.  Other reasons are possible as well but an examination would be necessary. Discuss your issue with your surgeon.

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

There are things that you can and probably should do.  You are on the right track with heat, massage, etc.but you should consider professional massage, heat therapy (take care not to get a burn on the numb areas), perhaps even physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, etc.  My guess is that because of the pain in the post op period you protected yourself and did not loosen up with normal activity.  Feeling tight for even a few weeks after a procedure, until the swelling abates is not only normal but in fact good because it probably means that you had a good tightening and it will last for a long time.  Four months s too long.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Dear flo, thank you for your question.  Swelling after a facelift may persists from
weeks to months, causing bumps or asymmetries to appear.  In San Diego, we monitor our patients closely
for one year to address any issues.  Follow up with your surgeon to check if this
is swelling versus something else and if treatment is indicated. Best of Luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is a bit unusual for you to have a tightness sensations after a facelift 4 months after surgery. You should be seen in person.

My neck is really stiff 4 months after Facelift, is this normal?

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