Could the muscles have been pulled too tight in my face and neck as I have had pain and pulling for 18 months?

Question

I also have pixie ears as result of the surgery. I feel as if the muscles under the skin have been pulled too tightly and that my pain is from that. My neurologist diagnosed it as distonia in my neck due to the spasms caused by the surgery. He said I could try a muscle relaxant. Is that the only solution as I felt out of it after taking it two days? Do muscles relax? Can too tight surgery involving muscles be reversed?

Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD · Answer

The feeling of tightness and pulling is quite normal after a facelift.  This sensation usually lasts somewhere from a few weeks to a few month.  Occasionally the pulling might persist for a longer period of time, but in majority of patients it completely disappears by 1 year.  It is very uncommon to have the sensation of tightness and discomfort lasting 18 month.  I, personally, do not believe this sensation is related to how tight the"muscle" was pulled during the surgery.  It is possible to have both residual skin laxity and sensation of tightness at the same time.  Also it would be be very unlikely that more surgery would help to alleviate this sensation.  If you already tried warm compresses, gentle massage and exercise and it did not help than consulting a pain specialist might be the best option for you.  Muscle relaxants or other medications with neuromodulatory activity might help to make it better. Best wishes!

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

by 18 months you should feels normal again.  so it is unusual to feel tight.  the pixie ear can be caused by a number of things, being pulled "too tight" might be one of them.

Richard Castellano, MD · Answer

Hi Fiona,  I see two questions here:  1. What is the best way to address your pixie ear and 2. What is causing your persistent discomfort.Pixie ears can be addressed with either a minor treatment, or repeating the lift, depending on your exam.  I would recommend an additional consultation to evaluate your ear, or you can post a picture to give more feedback.Persistent discomfort lasting 18 months is uncommon.  Muscle relaxers may help, and sometimes physical therapy to work out the soreness.  If your primary surgeon does not address those concerns, I would recommend an additional opinion.  Best of luck to you.

John Frodel, MD · Answer

It is possible that the flap of tissue under the skin is pulled too tight but your situation is unusual for 18 months after surgery.  The skin was likely pulled too tight, as well, as you have the "pixie ears".  While I tell my patients that final healing won't be until about 6 months after surgery, there are always outliers and you appear to be one.  It is unlikely to be muscle spasms, rather injury to the sensory nerves that are causing the pain.  Sometimes some forms of antidepressant and even some anti-seizure medication are helpful for such difficult problems.   Speak to your neurologist about these options.  However, hopefully things will relax over time.  FYI: the earlobes can be corrected.

Could the muscles have been pulled too tight in my face and neck as I have had pain and pulling for 18 months?

Answers (4)

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