Swollen glands 2 weeks after Neck Lift.

Question

It has been 2 weeks since my neck lift . 2 days ago I developed a swollen and very painful gland on my right side on the jaw line . My ps is out of town and his nurse says she doesn't think this is related to the surgery , to see my primary dr . This is the most pain I have had during recovery . Is this common ? Thanks for any help . I feel kinda dumb going to the dr and telling him it hurts right under the incision .

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

Best to see your plastic surgeon and if not available the plastic surgeon covering his practice. Although local glands, primarily the submandibular glands, can swell after surgery they are not very painful. Blockage of the gland draining duct or an infection can sometimes cause painful one sided swelling which is the reason for my recommendation.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Generally speaking, it can take 6-12 months to completely heal after any plastic surgery procedure.  Please keep in touch with your surgeon or his/her clinical staff to discuss your concerns.

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

Painful swelling of this type could be an infection or small collection of blood. You really should be examined by a doctor. The glands can sometime get inflamed and large after this type of surgery but that usually is not very painful.

Grady B. Core, MD · Answer

Even though your plastic surgeon is out of town he will want to know about this. He should have someone covering for him if he is not available who is also a plastic surgeon. Better safe than sorry, so I would definitely let a real doctor know about this. A fairly uncommon but well known complication of facelifts and necklifts is parotid fistula and or local infections. If it is an infection the issue can become a significant issue so don't wait around and generally if something is hurting that much at this point it is something that needs to be checked out .

Swollen glands 2 weeks after Neck Lift.

Answers (4)

Answer: Hurts under incision

Answer: Hurts under incision

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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Swollen glands 2 weeks after Neck Lift.

Answers (4)

Answer: Hurts under incision

Answer: Hurts under incision

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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.