Why do I have hard rope around neck after a lower face and neck lift. Will I need corective surgery? (photos)

Question

Will rope around neck need surgery and how long should I wait to have this corrected? Why do I have a hard rope around my neck? I'm late 60"s and thin. Steroids help or hurt? Does ice, heat or massage help it to dissipate or just make you feel better?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Swelling, fluid collection, fat lumping can all contribute to such an early deformity. Gentle massage for the next 2 weeks and lymphatic drainage would help as well as a garment. If deformity persists after 3 months your should discuss with your surgeon possible surgical correction. Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It can take up to 6 months to have your final results with a neck lift. Since you're concerned, I recommend following up with your Doctor for a formal evaluation. To speed up healing, you can try adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage.To improve final results, I recommend a combination approach with thermage/venus legacy and Kybella/Ultherapy. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Matthew Kienstra, MD, FACS · Answer

This is most likely the line between where the surgeon stopped working and the unoperated area. Fluid tends to accumulate as swelling there due to gravity and the work done above that line. It looks like you are a little worse on the left which may be due to some fluid under the skin. All of this should resolve over time. This can be unpredictable - usually much less by 6-8 weeks but can take months to resolve completely in a thin patient like you. Hang in there!!!!!

Robert H. Woods, MD · Answer

That is just swelling which accumulates due to gravity. The line of demarcation is where the surgeon stopped his dissection (skin elevation). This will go away in six weeks.

Beth Collins, MD · Answer

I can see why you may be concerned. It is a little tough to answer your question because you didn't mention how long ago you had your facelift. It is common to have some swelling and areas of firmness and induration that gradually soften as you recover from your facelift procedure. As the inflammation subsides and the tissues soften and the collagen remodels, often these contour irregularities can soften and improve. It is important for you to continue following with your surgeon so that if you do need a revision or an intervention, it can be done in a timely fashion. In the mean time, gentle massage over the area of concern can help and steroid injections can often aide in softening scars that have formed and left thickened areas.Oh I am sorry, I just saw that these photos were taken three and 10 days post op. I think that there is a very good chance that these bands will resolve on their own. Yes massage will help soften them nicely. I think you should visit your surgeon and let them take a look as well just to be sure you are on the right path.

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

From the pictures it looks more pronounced since the 10 day post op picture. These aren't uncommon and usually flatten out. Massaging these areas vigorously and rolling a tennis ball firmly over them can help. Steroids may be useful but can atrophy the skin especially since you're thin. Stay in close contact with your surgeon so any intervention can be early increasing the chance of a successful outcome. Best wishes

Why do I have hard rope around neck after a lower face and neck lift. Will I need corective surgery? (photos)

Answers (6)

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