Why Do I Still Have Constant Pain and Pulling from my Facelift Performed One Year Ago? What is my Best Option for Help?

Question

I think some plastic surgeons need to rethink their techniques. If it can cause even one patient daily pain after one full year they need to conduct surveys and research to find out why it happened and the best way to treat it. Where are support groups for people in pain from cosmetic surgery? I need help.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I have no idea what you are suffering from but you clearly need the second opinion about the source of your pain. Facelifts in general are not painful procedures.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Throughout the #facelift #healing process you should be seen frequently by your doctor and one of their registered nurses to ensure you are following instructions properly and your recovery is going well. The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away.

#Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. However, in this particular situation, it may be best to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss this concern.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulty.  Facelift techniques are generally predictable and safe in the hands of PS or FPS with formal training board certification and experience but even in those hands some outcomes fall short.  I would sit and discuss this openly with your surgeon to devise strategies to improve your situation.  One such strategy would be to illicit the help of a pain management specialist (anesthesiologist) to provide recommendations for management of this long term pain. I hope this helps and best wishes.

	Dr. ES

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Chronic Pain after a facelift is a very uncommon long term finding.  It has been reported but is quite rare.  Nonetheless, this fact does not diminish your suffering.  I would recommend consulting with a pain managment specialist to determine if there are other potential causes of your pain and recommended solutions. Best wishes on your recovery.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

In 38 years of facelifting I have never had a patient with prolonged pain. You need to see your surgeon or get a second opinion to determine cause and treatment.

Why Do I Still Have Constant Pain and Pulling from my Facelift Performed One Year Ago? What is my Best Option for Help?

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Answer: Facelift Pain

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Answer: Facelifts and prolonged pain.

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Why Do I Still Have Constant Pain and Pulling from my Facelift Performed One Year Ago? What is my Best Option for Help?

Answers (9)

Answer: Facelift Pain

Answer: Facelift Pain

Answer: Facelifts and prolonged pain.

Answer: Facelifts and prolonged pain.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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