Forehead Spasm After Mini Face Lift & Upper Lower Bleph?

Question

I just had a mini facelift and upper and lower bleph. three weeks ago. Yesterday morning I woke up, went upstairs to wash my face and when I touched the washcloth to my forehead, my forehead reacted, suddenly spasming upwards and I couldn't control it. It only lasted 8 seconds but I wanted to know what that could have been. Nothing else has happened before or since. Could it just be an anomaly or is there some reason?

S. Ozan Sozer, MD · Answer

After any facial procedure, during the healing period, you may have some abnormal contractions of muscles; as long as they are not persistent, they can be ignored, but if the condition becomes persistent, a specialist needs to be seen and it may be treated with simple procedures like Botox, but it is very unlikely for this type of symptoms to be permanent.

Dilip D. Madnani, MD, FACS · Answer

This will be temporary and will improve, small twitches and tingling sensations can occur during the healing process, especially during the first 2-6m.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The nerve innervating the frontalis muscle is potentially in jeopardy with a facelift. Some inflammation in the vicinity of the nerve could trigger activity generating spasm. This should be self-limited.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear uwilldk,

	Thank you for your question.  The facial nerve that transmits signals to the forehead muscles tends to be a little stretched right after a face lift.  This can cause temporary spasms.  This will normalize as the nerve grows to accomodate the stretch and the swelling goes down.

	Best Wishes,

	Pablo PRichard, MD

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for this question. Based on the information you provided I believe this is just a temporary irritation of the nerves to your forehead and is not uncommon. Swelling of the face and around the nerves can cause your symptoms. 

	If this continues make a appointment with your surgeon and ask him/ her their advice.

Forehead Spasm After Mini Face Lift & Upper Lower Bleph?

Answers (9)