After neck lift the skin tethered to the muscle. Will I need revision surgery? (photos)

Question

I had a neck lift 6 weeks ago. My doctor last week told me the skin began to tether to the muscle compromising the contour. He said after healing the result will still be excellent. How is this hard constrictive lump going to go away and look good? When I look up it actually restricts my movement. How common is this complication and will I need revision surgery in a year or so. Also, what could have been done during surgery or post surgery to prevent this from happening. How common is it? Thanks,

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

At six weeks post-op, it is still soon into your healing and is still be too early into your healing to determine if a #revision is necessary.Tightness following a #facelift, neck lift or chin implant are not uncommon. As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek post-op. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result which may cause the sensations you may be experiencing. Furthermore, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed. This will decrease during the first month. 
Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.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.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. You are very early in your healing process. You should follow the recommendation of your board certified facial plastic surgeon. Please continue to follow your surgeon's recovery guidelines. Best wishes,

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest botox and venus legacy/exilis treatments at least for now to losen the area.  massage would also be helpful.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  You are still very early in the healing process.  I would encourage you to be patient, follow recommendations from your primary surgeon, and anticipate that things should improve with time.  The skin and soft tissues should soften and neck mobility should improve as the inflammation from surgery resolves.  It typically takes 9 - 12 months for the healing process following surgery to be complete.  It is impossible to make any assessment of the results or potential need for revision at this time.  Try not to worry yourself too much and maintain communication with your primary surgeon for reassurance.  I wish you the best in your recovery.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

At this point, you are still early in your healing. This kind of result can be seen with the process of healing and is unpredictable. I doubt there could been anything done during or after surgery to prevent this but I didn't do the surgery. Keep up with the massage, follow with your doctor, and give it time to resolve.

Christian Subbio, MD · Answer

At only six weeks, I would counsel patience.  At this point the scar stiffness is maximum as your body has made a tremendous amount of immature, thick collagen scar beneath your skin.  The best thing to do at this point is massage massage massage.  And wait.  Keep in close contact with your surgeon and this should absolutely improve over time.  Whether or not it improves to your liking or whether you will need a small revision, only time will tell.  But, rest assured, stiffness and tightness is worst at this very time juncture, so keep up with the massage as supervised by your plastic surgeon.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Larry Weinstein, MD · Answer

usually the skin loosens from attachments to muscle   It is possible to separate the skin from the muscle with a simple but slightly painful needle stick that can sweep under the skin to separate it from the muscle. The muscle can be calmed down with a small dose of Botox. Massage with a small vibrator can help loosen up attachments. Good luck.

After neck lift the skin tethered to the muscle. Will I need revision surgery? (photos)

Answers (7)

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