Has Anyone Ever Reported Adhesions from a Facelift?

Question

I am almost three years post-op from a mid-face lift, chin implant, and an endotine device. I have terrible (painful) tightness underneath it all from around each ear, underneath the jaw line ear-to-ear, and each cheek. Can anyone recommend a particular massage therapy that will alleviate this scar tissue? It all looks okay. Thank God! but I am at wit's end... It feels so awful...

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Pain and tightness three years after facelift is unusual.  However, if a permanent suture was placed near one ear under the jawline to the other ear, this may need to be removed.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Pain and tightness 3 years after an endotine lift is not typical for these procedures.  They are designed to disssovle within 12-24 months.  Despite the product labeling, there is some variability.  It is common in some patients to have tenderness and tightness in the area where the device was placed. This discomfort usually resolves as the device is absorbed.   Given the persistence of the issue, I would recommend you discuss it further with your surgeon.  Best of Luck!

Jamil Asaria, MD · Answer

Three years from your surgery, all scar tissue should have healed by now, and the endotine device should be completely resorbed. You should certainly see a qualified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon to discuss options.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Scar tissue after surgery is what holds everything together and it does mature and soften over time. However, three years is a long time and i wonder it the endotine is causeing the abnormal thightening. However it should have absorbed bt now.Go back to your doc and review the op note, this may be helpful. Try a small ultrasound device, Vit E and nech exercises. good luck

Jessica Kulak, MD · Answer

It is common to have tightness after a facelift for the first 6 months to 1 year. This usually improves as the swelling resolves and tissues relax. Its important to discuss these symptoms with your surgeon, as it is uncommon to have this discomfort persist this long.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The normal maturation cycle for scar is a year and it might not be scar that is causing you to continue to feel tight. Three years is a very long time for tightness to persist. It sounds like a personal exam with your surgeon is best to sort things out.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

For persistent tightness I usually recommend ultrasound therapy in conjunction with deep massage. The good news is that you look good, so the tightness will probably keep you looking good for a long time. Tightness ALWAYS resolves over time, so be patient.

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Although all patients will have some scarring or adhesions following a facelift, in the majority of patients the scars will soften and fade within the first 6 to 12 months following the surgery. If you are still having problems with pain or tightness three years after your procedure, you should be evaluated by your surgeon. If the problem is a scar that is tight or hypertrophic your doctor may want to treat you with a series of hydrocortizone injections or he/she may suggest an scar revision. If some type of surgical sling was placed during your facelift, your surgeon may want to release or loosen the sling. Best wishes.

Has Anyone Ever Reported Adhesions from a Facelift?

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