Three months post op lower face and neck lift - still tight under neck and on the right side.

Question

The right side of my face & neck felt too tight from day one. I am 3 months post op still have a tight band feeling under my neck, the right side feels and looks tighter than the left, The left is slightly more swollen than the right. It's my opinion that my doctor pulled the right side too tight & it's not my own healing creating this. Going to wait another 3 months, if still painful & tight, will make a decision of how to proceed at that time. Thank you for any suggestions.

Joshua Korman, MD · Answer

The feeling of tightness under the neck is quite common after these procedures, and feeling it tighter on one side  is also not unusual.  You're doing the right thing to wait another three months. Sometimes massage helps to loosen the area. Let your surgeon guide you.

Ryan Couvillion, MD · Answer

A feeling of tightness of the neck muscles is normal after a necklift and is often caused by the technique used.  Often patients have one side that may appear tighter than the other and this is usually caused by swelling.  You may want to think about what side you sleep on - I have had patients have much more swelling on one side or the other and when asked, it is often their preferred side to sleep on at night!  This will all get better with time and if the tight side does not loosen up, massage directed by the surgeon should be able to help.

Amir Nakhdjevani, MBBS, MRCS, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question Adele.  Tightening of the platysma muscle will leave patients feeling tight and its not uncommon to feel this more on one side.  Please advise your surgeon of your concerns and ensure you have regular follow ups, so they can assess.  They will then be able to advise whether you can massage it, this sometimes will help with scar tissue.  Unfortunately it will take time, so patients is definitely key.Best Of Luck!!

Andrea Marando, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Depending on which technique has been used, it takes several month for the final result to appear and the face/neck to settle. Massage of the neck and jawline also help the scar tissue to soften. I would agree that time will help - and if you feel necessary - ask for an earlier review with your surgeon to express your concern and ask his/her advice.All the best.Andrea MarandoPlastic and Cosmetic Surgeon

Three months post op lower face and neck lift - still tight under neck and on the right side.

Answers (4)

Answer: Facelift - tightness after 3 months

Answer: Facelift - tightness after 3 months

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Three months post op lower face and neck lift - still tight under neck and on the right side.

Answers (4)

Answer: Facelift - tightness after 3 months

Answer: Facelift - tightness after 3 months

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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