Follow-up: 7 wks PO from neck and lower face lift. My tragus are permanently, aesthetically unnatural. Can it be fixed? (photo)

Question

hello, I am 7 weeks post op and had a neck and lower face lift by one of the most famous and best PS in the world, spend $40,000 +and not 100% happy! how soon can it be fixed? Please help! thank you! Also do you have any names for absolutely top PS in NY to fix this type of problem? thank you!!!!!

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Facial plastic surgery is as much an art as it is medical. Having done your research before the surgery was wise.  I always recommend returning to the surgeon who performed the procedure for evaluation and guidance. The relationship that you have with the surgeon who you chose to do your procedure is important and should be a long term one. When you have enough confidence for him or her to perform the procedure, you should go into the relationship knowing that he or she is capable and skilled enough to address any realistic concerns you may have afterwards. If there is anything that doesn't look the way it was expected based on your preoperative conversations, evaluation, patient references,  and review of before and after photos (i.e. examples of their work before the procedure as well as your own before and after photos), the surgeon may be able to correct it.  At 7 weeks post op, there is still healing that is occurring underneath the skin.  Conservative treatments like massage can be helpful.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

I can certainly understand your concern and it is still very early into your healing. I always suggest to my patients, if they have any concerns during their healing to call me and discuss those #concerns. I encourage you do the same to your doctor. Meanwhile, perhaps this may provide clarity on healing expectations. Recovery from a neck and facelifts do vary per person. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. 
Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the procedure will become apparent and the real result will be seen. Also, wearing a #compression garment may be suggested the first week and then nightly for up to six weeks. Typically, it's best to wait 6 to 12 months depending on the reason for #revision. As with all #cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. With any surgical #procedure and #revision, there are some risks of unhappy outcome or other complications which your surgeon should discuss with you during your consultation. If you ever have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

I'm sorry you have not had an easy recovery. Based on your pictures it appears that there may be some excess forward/anterior tension on the tragus. This commonly happens if the skin is closed tightly in this area. This results in the tragus pulling forward. Fortunately you are not even 2 months out from surgery, so there is a chance that as the tissue relaxes a bit, the tragus may sit back to where it had been previously. At this point the only option is to allow the healing process to  occur over the next few months and then reassess. I would still consider staying with your PS since only he or she knows exactly what to expect as far as recovery based on their individual technique.

John Mesa, MD · Answer

The position of the tragus after face and neck lift could be affected by tension of the scar in front of the tragus. If the closure has some tension, the tragus could be displaced to the point it sticks out and makes the opening of the ear canal more visible. If revision surgery is at the level of the triages is necessary, it is recommended to be done at least after 3 months post surgery. In the meantime, some times conservative management (e.g. massage) could help to ameliorate the appearance of this post surgical physical finding. However, it is important to follow up with the plastic surgeon that performed the operation to determine the best management.

Follow-up: 7 wks PO from neck and lower face lift. My tragus are permanently, aesthetically unnatural. Can it be fixed? (photo)

Answers (4)

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