Is this normal? Had corset platysmaplasty 6 weeks ago. Neck still very lumpy. (Photos)

Question

Also skin is red and blotchy. It sometimes feels burning but not often. Please let me know if this is normal at this point in my recovery. Thanks

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

The typical healing that I see in my patients after a neck lift can vary, but most patients tend to follow similar patterns. The best way to know if your healing is on track is to follow up and discuss it with your own surgeon. Every surgeon should know what the average healing is like for their own patients. *****What follows is what I tell my patients***** There should be very little to no swelling in the neck, and the profile view of the neck should show a nice sharp angle. There is usually bruising, but not always.  At one week, the texture of the neck skin feels hard, although the appearance is pleasing.  There may be some lumps or bumps, but they should not be "squishy". The hardness continues for 6-8 weeks. At that point, it starts to soften. Throughout this time, the neck skin will feel numb.  You will feel touch and pressure, but not hot, cold, or sharp.  Be very careful with hair dryers after your surgery, because you can burn yourself without knowing.  The same goes for icing/cold compresses... do not "over-ice" or leave ice directly on the skin. Once the hardness starts to soften,  most patients will start to get feeling back. It can begin will pins and needle, itching, burning, tingling, soreness, or even an intermittent "needle poke" sensation. As feeling comes back, these should go away. Occasionally, the skin can appear blotchy during healing, which should improve over time. There are different types of options to speed up healing such as arnica, ultrasound, and massage to name a few.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you consult with your board certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your recovery expectations and guidelines.
Best wishes,

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

It’s best to allow more time for healing and follow with your surgeon. It’s appesrs to be healing uneventfully.

Mark Been, MD · Answer

Yes, the signs and symptoms you describe can persist for several months following this type of surgery. You should see improvement over the coming months, but I recommend you bring these issues to the attention of your surgeon so they can be monitored appropriately. Good luck!

J. Marshall Green, III, DDS · Answer

Hello,
   Thank you for your question. It’s far too early to be critical at this point. A couple of things you consider asking your surgeon about: scar massage and silicone strips. Some light massage at your point may help and silicone strips are the only scientifically proven option for improving the appearance of scars as they mature. Laser resurfacing is also an option further down the road. Did you have a neck lift as well or just the platysmaplasty?
Dr G

Is this normal? Had corset platysmaplasty 6 weeks ago. Neck still very lumpy. (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Plartysmaplasty

Answer: Plartysmaplasty

Answer: Too early to tell

Answer: Too early to tell

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is this normal? Had corset platysmaplasty 6 weeks ago. Neck still very lumpy. (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Plartysmaplasty

Answer: Plartysmaplasty

Answer: Too early to tell

Answer: Too early to tell

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.