Feeling like air/water is running down my face 1 year after facelift. Does anyone have an idea what this could be?

Question

One year ago i have had facelift. Since the last 3 months a couple times a day I have the feeling like there is running some water/air down my face. Clearly there is no water when i touch my face, it only feels like it. I understand this sounds a bit strange, but does anyone have an idea what this could be? I hope someone can help because I am a little bit worried.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

One year after surgery you are likely having altered sensation due to aberrant nerve regeneration.  Discuss this matter with your surgeon.  Facial desensitization therapy may be if benefit.

James Murphy, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

You haven't described exactly where these sensations are taking place but it is very common for there to be a period of numbness on each cheek after facelift surgery. Over a period of at least a year, the nerves slowly wake up and re-grow, producing new sensations that your brain is not used to. These feelings are often interpreted by the brain as tingling, burning or tickling and it sounds like this is what you are experiencing. It is entirely normal and will go away without any specific treatment. If you have any facial twitching associated with this, you should contact your surgeon for a full assessment, though it is unlikely to be anything serious.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

What you are experiencing is probably the return of sensibility to the skin. Patients often complain of bizarre sensations that will improve as recovery progresses in the skin is reeducated.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. What you are describing is the return of nerve function after your facelift. It will most likely resolve itself. Be sure to see your surgeon, if it does not. Good luck

James Southwell-Keely, MD, FRACS · Answer

Hi there,What you describe is termed formication. It represents the "re-awakening" of skin nerves that are stretched and divided during facelift surgery.  Massage and tapping exercises, termed de-sensitisation exercises, help facilitate the process.  If the sensations are particularly unpleasant gabapentin-related medications in the short term also help.  Otherwise patience and time will see these symptoms resolve - sensory nerve regeneration can take many years…All the best,James

Mark Loury, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

I agree with the other expert commentators that nerve regeneration into the skin is the most likely cause.  If it is on the sides of the face and the parotid salivary gland entered during the lift the salivary nerves could be growing into sweat glands in the face (Freys syndrome) particularly if your skin has little subcutaneous fat.  There may be a sensation of moisture not necessarily overt sweating.  In this condition the moisture occurs after eating.  If it is just the nerves recovering it should eventually resolve.

Feeling like air/water is running down my face 1 year after facelift. Does anyone have an idea what this could be?

Answers (6)

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