Tightness in throat area after face and neck lift. Can I be helped?

Question

I had a face and neck lift 9yrs ago.About nine months after surgery I developed a tightness in my throat area like I am being choked.It is getting worse as time goes by.I had all sorts of imaging tests and nothing shows up.It is so scary.Can I be helped? Thank you

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It would be ununsal to develop tightness 9 months after the procedure; usually it is tight right after and then improves (ie- loosens) with time.  You should see an ENT physician who may want to perform a laryngoscopy. I hope this helps!

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

A worsening choking sensation such a long time after your surgery is most likely not related to your necklift. It appears that you had examinations and imaging studies done which are normal. I would recommend to consult a head & neck surgeon for evaluation.

Vartan Mardirossian, MD · Answer

This cannot be related to the procedure you have, You should have a throat examination by an otolaryngologist (ENT) surgeon.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

Right after a face and neck lift, tightness of the neck like chocking can mean bleeding of the deep tissues, but nine months after surgery when your face and neck lift have healed, there is likely something else going on. You should see a board-certified otolaryngologist (Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon) to be evaluated.Good luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

9 YEARS! The issue is NOT related to the fascial surgery in my over the internet opinion. Best to see ENT doc for endo scopic examination...

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

The tightness that you experience in your neck is not likely caused by the face and neck lift that you had. There are several causes for the symptoms that you are experiencing. It is very important to have this fully worked up, including a fiberoptic scope exam of your throat and larynx as well as the appropriate imaging exams. I would follow up with an experienced ENT physician who can do a thorough evaluation. I would also follow up with your surgeon to ensure that everything has healed properly. It could be something as simple as acid reflux.

Kevin L. Smith, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Dear B,Thanks for your question. While tightness in the throat and neck area is very common in the early period after a face and necklift, it improves over the months after surgery and usually resolves completely by three to four months as the tissues relax. Since your symptoms are worsening and it is so long after your surgery I am concerned that this may be coming from something else. Please seek the advice of an experienced otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) for a thorough examination. You must determine the cause (make a diagnosis) before a treatment plan can be started.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

At nine years post face and neck lift I would say that these are unrelated issues. It is common to have some tightness in the neck and throat immediately following your procedure however to much time has subsided since the procedure to pinpoint the face and neck lift as the current cause. You will need to see a specialist in ENT for further examinations including a scope of your throat and larynx. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Tightness in throat area after face and neck lift. Can I be helped?

Answers (8)

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