Limited neck movement after facelift. When and will my movement return to normal?

Because of swelling in some direct suturing of the platoon is my muscle in the neck temporary disturbances of facial motor function are seen following the facelift. It may be several weeks to several months before completely normal facial movement unrestricted has returned.

It is normal to experience significant tightness when moving your neck for a couple of weeks, and some patients take 6 weeks or so for tightness to completely resolve, but to actually have true limitation of neck movement is unusual. I would check with your surgeon if you feel the tightness is not improving.  Every surgeon has a different technique for the actual surgery, and if suspension sutures were used in the neck, it is possible the tightness may be more severe.

When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during surgery, small sensory #nerves are cut. Varying degrees of numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. This typically recovers fully in the months after surgery. As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek after a facelift. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely. If you 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.

HI blubird,

  Some limited movement after a facelift is to be expected. Try not to move your neck too much as you may break some of the sutures that your surgeon put in. Give yourself some time to heal. Consult with your plastic surgeon to discuss this issue, but do not continue to do a lot of movement with your neck.

Best,

Dr. Christine Rodgers

This is something you should really ask you surgeon. Only your surgeon knows for sure what was done and how long it will take for all motion to return. Good luck.

After a facelift, it is recommended that you don't turn your head back and forth excessively as it can cause pulling on the lift and effect the end result or even potentially widen scars. So, for the first few months it's good that you have limited neck movement. We don't, however, want this to be permanent. We want our facelift patients to be able to return to full range of motion and resume completely normal activities. I would expect your movement to improve over the next month or two. If you are still "stiff" you may want to consider stretching exercises with your surgeon's approval as it would be safe to do so at that point.Andrew Campbell, M.D.

Facial Rejuvenation Specialist

Quintessa Aesthetic Centers

Dear blubird41Thank you for your question and congrats on your surgery!  Your mobility should return soon. Please follow up with your surgeon.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Neck stiffness is a common concern following face and neck lifting. During the surgery muscle of your neck and face are tightened and the skin is also redrapped in a new lifted position. As the scars heal, things tend to contract and feel tighter -- it's very common.  Additionally, I have my patients limit neck turning in the first 2 weeks, so this can also contribute to that stiff neck feeling early on.  It takes a couple to a few months for things to start feeling "normal" again.  Good luck in your recovery!

Thank you for your question, you are still very early days therefore tightness is normal as the muscle has been pulled and sutured.  Please make sure you are not scared to move normally, the tissues will start to soften, however it may take several months.  Please make sure you make regular follow ups with your surgeon.  All The Best 

Be encourage your stiffness should improve as you progress on

your recovery. Remember that tissue softening after surgery

takes 6-12 months but you should see improvement much sooner.