Skin Ridge After Neck Lift? (photo)

Question

I have a "skin ridge" that developed 24 hours after my lower face lift. The surgeon states my skin "fell over onto itself and stuck together" The ridge runs from my low neck to behind my right ear. About 4 inches long and a quarter inch thick. I am 59 and had a bad "turkey neck". My surgeon has been practicing for over 35 years. His treatment is for me to massage the area twice a day above on and below the ridge. I am 2/1/2 weeks post op. Will the massage make this go away? It is so ugly.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

This is an uncommon complication but it has happened to me as well. I will offer massage and steroids and if this does not help surgical intervention may be indicated. Usually this involves a needle release under local anesthesia.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Such a side effect is rare but can be addressed. Especially as it still early into your post-op healing. I suggest you begin speaking to your doctor and inquire about #massage techniques to improve this concern. Additionally, the #healing process can take from 2-6 months for areas such as face, #neck and cheeks. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. As mentioned above, local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of healing problems, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the  neck lift will become more apparent and the real result will be seen.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.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

This is an uncommon complication that can occur even in the best of hands. My personal experience consists of one case (over 27 yrs). It was due to skin folding over itself within her dressings left in place for 2-3 days as is typical in many practices. My patient resolved her symptoms by massage, use of a vibrator device as is used for muscle spasm (ultrasound would also help) and also a few injections with a 5FU/Kenalog mixture which is an off label use but seemed to speed the process. It took a few months for resolution but it did resolve. As you can imagine it is stressful for both patient and surgeon alike but there should be a happy ending. Regular follow up visits with your plastic surgeon are helpful.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Skin ridge after facelift can occur with a facelift even those with 35 years of experience. He is correct that massage and time will make this go away. You can use ultrasound treatments 2 times a week and it will help.

Randy J. Buckspan, MD (retired) · Answer

Yes, with gentle massage and time the ridge will go away.  Such irregularities are not uncommon as you heal.  Be patient and let your surgeon continue to help you.

Skin Ridge After Neck Lift? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Skin ridge after facelift.

Answer: Skin ridge after facelift.

Answer: Skin Ridge After Necklift Will Disappear

Answer: Skin Ridge After Necklift Will Disappear

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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Skin Ridge After Neck Lift? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Skin ridge after facelift.

Answer: Skin ridge after facelift.

Answer: Skin Ridge After Necklift Will Disappear

Answer: Skin Ridge After Necklift Will Disappear

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.