I have sharp shooting pain in head post face/neck lift. Any suggestions?

Question

I am 5 days post op from a lower face/neck lift as well as upper and lower eyelid surgery..I've developed a sharp shooting pain in my head which seems to come every few seconds..its started earlier today and has continued over the past 8 hrs or so..could this possibly be related to the surgery?

Franklin D. Richards, MD · Answer

The pain is probably most
related to the surgery.But, it is best
determined after a consultation with your Plastic Surgeon.

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The pains could absolutely be related to facelift surgery, but I would need a better description of where exactly on “the head” the pain is. It could be pain from a sensory nerve. Any pressure from swelling or where the stiches are places could irritate a sensory nerve. It is always best to seek your surgeon’s advice, but if it is from swelling, you may benefit from an anti-inflammatory such as prednisone.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Please return to your surgeon for an evaluation, and make sure you are not having a complication related to your procedure.  This is not a typical symptom for a recovering facelift patient. Once things like hematoma, infection or nerve injury are ruled out, your surgeon can treat your symptoms with medication.

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

You should return to your plastic surgeon to make sure everything is okay.  However, pains after surgery are common as the nerves are "waking up."

Kenneth Yu, MD · Answer

Hello.  It's common to have intermittent tingling or even pain during the initial postoperative period.  These are due to natural healing, as the nerves heal and regenerate.  However, if you're having sharp significant pain, then there may be some injury to a sensory nerve.  It's best to see your surgeon and point out to him / her the area of concern.  Best wishes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Shooting or radicular type pain after a facelift may be due to damage or entrapment to a sizable peripheral nerve. This should be reported to your surgeon. Temporary relief can be obtained with lidocaine.

Manish C. Champaneria, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Shooting pains 5 days after surgery should be addressed by your surgeon asap. It could be a normal, or abnormal, finding, but you need to be seen by your surgeon.Regards,Manish Champaneria, MD

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello LC,Having sharp shooting pain in the immediate post operative period is not normal.  You should let your surgeon know immediately to make sure this does not represent a developing fluid collection or bleeding.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi LC, Thank you for sharing your question.  When it comes to shooting pain so soon after surgery I always prefer to recommend patients speak with their surgeon directly.  While you are in the very early stages of healing and this is not at all uncommon, it still should be reported to your medical team.  Very best to you.  -Brian S. Coan, MD, FACS

Marcelo Hochman, MD · Answer

You are very early in your postoperative course and it is normal to have abnormal sensations.  Fleeting pain is usually not of concern (though annoying); persistent, increasing pain is something you need to tell your surgeon about.DrH

I have sharp shooting pain in head post face/neck lift. Any suggestions?

Answers (14)

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