15 weeks after neck/ lower face lift w/ removal of the SMAS, tightness is increasing w/ difficulty swallowing. Is this normal?

Generally speaking, it can take 6 to 12 months to completely heal after surgery. Please keep in touch with your surgeon or his/her clinical team to discuss your ongoing concerns.

By 15 weeks most patients have no significant symptoms after a facelift. Your complaints need to be investigated. I would wonder if there is any foreign material that was placed at the time of the operation.

Tightness and some mild discomfort is common following facelift, but it sounds like your response to the surgery is unusual.  I would recommend revisiting the issue with your doctor and  consider seeing a pain specialist or neurologist.  There are several non narcotic medications that might be helpful until this resolves.

Tightness and discomfort in the neck and around the ears is very common and can last 2-3 months after a facelift. However, the symptoms you are describing are what I would consider out of the range of normal. Furthermore, your symptoms certainly should not be worsening. If you aren't comfortable with your surgeons recommendation I would suggest you seek consultation for a second opinion with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who has extensive experience with facelift. Sounds like you have been miserable. I hope you start feeling better soon. Good luck!

Feeling tight after a facelift is normal. This is due to swelling of the face and neck. It should get better over a few weeks. You may benefit from massage with cream or ice packs. You will need to see your surgeon often. 

ALthough it is normal to feel tightness after a facelift or necklift (that is the purpose of the surgery, afterall), your symptoms seem excessive and should have improved by now.  I recommend revisiting your surgeon to make sure he fully understands your concerns.  If this does not help, perhaps getting a second opinion may be beneficial

Seajay,Very sorry to hear you are having that much discomfort.While it is not unusual for patients to have minor tightness and firmness for several months,this sounds well beyond that. First confirm with your plastic surgeon that he understands the extent of your symptoms and that he sees know known cause. Would also ask if he has a trusted colleague who could review your case as second opinion- Would also discuss with your primary care physician. They may be able to direct you to other specialist to evaluate your symptoms. More importantly, they may be able to prescribe medications to lessen your discomfort.

this is not normal. The excrutiating nature of your pain would suggest a neuralgia and not pain from inflammation or swelling. You need to see your surgeon again and /or a neurologist who specialises in pain. Sorry you are having a miserable time.

You are experiencing an unusual symptom. Photos of before and after would help. Follow up with your PS. He / she is probably concerned as well, but afraid you will blame him. Time usually makes things better, but a second opinion is worth it. I have had several with prolonged neck tightness symptoms related to muscle scar that lasted several months for no recognized reason. It went away. The bouncing pain I have never seen before. Perhaps great auricular nerve entrapment?good luck.  

Not sure why you are having such issues, Best to follow closely with your surgeon and see other specialists for an evaluation as well. Good luck.