Super tight and swollen under chin incision for Corset Platysmaplasty. Is this normal?

Question

Hi. 7 days post SMAS lift with Corset Platysmaplasty. The only complaint I have is the feeling like there was cement poured into the sides of my neck and hardened. The hardness is below both ears down the sides of the neck and the swelling is there as well as behind the Submental incision (like a ripple). It is super tight and swollen. It limits lifting my chin up towards the ceiling and is super uncomfortable. Is this normal?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

The feeling of firmness and tightness after your neck contouring is completely normal. Especially after seven days. This will soften but will take many weeks to months to do so.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Hard to get a good visual idea without photos.  What you are describing seems to be normal postoperative swelling.  Always good to let your surgeon know what is going on and follow his/her directions.

Donn M. Hickman, MD · Answer

This is entirely within the range of normal.  The maximum tightness, firmness, and woodiness may be at 6 weeks. Later you can massage the area under the direction of your surgeon. Don't do anything without checking with your surgeon at 7 days since you can disrupt the sutures. Be patient, be calm, and enjoy the new tight neck.  It will feel as if you are wearing a tight collar. If you are a runner and gym enthusiast, you will also notice in the first few months tightness as you exercise. This is also normal since the water and hard healing tissues will evaporate over weeks to months.  I am sure your doctor made some mention of these feelings, but please discuss them directly with them.  He or she will be pleased to respond to these issues.  Ask whether the doctor prefers heat or cold to ease the tightness, whether medication for tension is worthwhile in your case, and what other measures can be done while the neck is healing.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

At seven days after corset platysmaplasty and facelift one would expect some swelling. One would not want to miss a hematoma (blood collection) so I would advise you t visit your surgeon ASAP.  If it is just swelling, there are measures like lymphatic massage and ultrasound that could help speed up the recovery.  Best of luck.

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

The sensations that you are describing are very common following a face and neck lift. The firmness will gradually subside however it can take several weeks to a few months. I would make sure to follow up with your surgeon to ensure that you are healing according to plan.

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Swelling and tightness are very common after facial surgery.  The muscles of the neck and cheek have been repositioned and get irritated and swollen from surgery; such swelling leads to a tight sensation in the neck and cheek, a feeling of the teeth "not meeting quite right," jaw soreness, and ear soreness.  As swelling resolves, the facial muscles and surrounding connective tissue settle down, and tightness and soreness resolve; this takes 1-2 weeks after surgery.  Numbness in a horseshoe-shaped pattern around the ear and around the submental incision results from the skin being elevated from the underlying structures; this numbness often contributes to the swollen and tight feeling.  Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions and resist the temptation to pull against tightness.  Stick to soft foods to minimize soreness in the jaw.  Good luck with your recovery!

Super tight and swollen under chin incision for Corset Platysmaplasty. Is this normal?

Answers (6)

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