Problem with neck lift sutures?

I am sorry to hear about these symptoms. Extreme tightness and knots behind the ears this far out from surgery are not normal. You should be evaluated by an experienced facelift surgeon to examine your incisions and feel for permanent sutures that may be contributing to your symptoms. Sutures that irritate or compress a nerve in your upper neck under your earlobe call the great auricular nerve can also cause burning and chronic pain.Although many surgeons use permanent sutures to tighten the muscle layer under the skin, I prefer sutures that dissolve over time to prevent suture related problems that can arise months to years later. 

Problem with neck lift sutures?
The patient is nearly 17 months following a neck lift in Costa Rica. She is having pain tightness and choking as well as palpable sutures. At this lengthy follow-up date it is likely that permanent sutures were used as absorbable sutures largely would be gone or softened. It should not be difficult to locate and remove the sutures or at least loosen them providing relief. Obviously there will be scar tissue from the surgery which may have some persistent tightness. It is unlikely the patient is allergic to the sutures.

Suspension sutures that run across the neck from ear to ear can sometimes create the effect that you describe.  It is generally done with a permanent suture because the lifting effect goes away if the suture does. Unfortunately, sometimes the only effective relief is removing the suture.  What you are describing is not consistent with an allergy. Fortunately however, there are alternate means of creating the effect you desire. An experienced board certified plastic surgeon can ensure that you have the best possible outcome.  

It sounds like you need a consultation regarding your neck and you will need to weigh up the pros and cons of further interventions. I would arrange a second opinion and I would also try and get a copy of the op note from your original surgery to see what was done. you could also post your photos to help give a more informed opinion.

Thank you for your question. Permanent sutures are used in some necklift techniques to provide a mechanical sling to support the neck muscles. If these are too tight then they can cause the persistent choking sensation that you describe. Seek the advice of an experienced board certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon (or two) and express your concerns. The removal of the sutures can be straightforward and hopefully will be able to resolve the tightness. If there is residual scar remaining after the removal of the sutures then this too may have to be released at the time of surgery. It is doubtful that this is caused by an allergic reaction to to sutures used. I hope this helps, Best wishes.

I am sorry that you are experiencing problems this far out
from your surgery. It is impossible to
tell you what exactly is going on without examining you. If you can get a copy of your operative note
that would also be very helpful to anyone you see to be evaluated.



I hope that helps.



Best regards.