Pain around cheek and facial sutures from massage. Is this normal?

Sutures made deep within the face, such
as those made during an SMAS (or "deep plane") facelift often cause
residual tenderness or discomfort even at this point in the healing process. Although
massage can certainly help, be sure you're using a light hand to prevent additional
pain. If your pain becomes suddenly worse, or if it's accompanied by other
symptoms, such as a fever, please see your surgeon or primary care provider.

Massage of an area that is actively healing can release histamine and cause more swelling and therefore more pain. Best to leave the healing area alone.

It is not uncommon that a person can feel the internal sutures used in a facelift. This is why I prefer stitches that will dissolve after several months. These internal sutures hold the deeper layers together which elevate the facial structures without relying on pulling the skin overly tight. The fact that you still have pain at these areas means that in your case, the inflammation is lasting a bit longer than usual, but it is nothing to get worried about. In some patients inflammation takes several weeks longer to slowly fade away, but it should. Continue doing your massage, and this will help stretch the scar around the sutures and dissipate some of the inflammatory fluid causing the pain. It is unlikely that the sutures are causing any damage, so just give it time, massage, and keep in close contact with your plastic surgeon.Best of luck!Dr. SubbioBoard-Certified Plastic SurgeonNewtown Square/Philadelphia, PA

Thank you for your question.  You can perform light massage at this point.  You are also still healing.  I would give it time, as there is still a healing process going on.  Be sure to keep in close communication with your plastic surgeon about any concerns.  All the best, 

You are still in the healing phase of your procedure. Light massage should not cause pain at 7 weeks. If, on the other hand, you are massaging firmly you may be causing more damge to healing tissues. This is not in your best interest. Give yourself more time to heal. Many time absorbeable sutures are used deep and when these go away you may feel better. The soft tissue will remain in the lifted position. Be sure to talk to your surgeon about your concerns.Dr. J

massage can be helpful, and primarily, what you need is time. the pain and lumps will all get betterwishing you the best

During a facelift, numerous sutures are placed in the muscle/SMAS layer.  These sutures are usually dissolvable PDS sutures.  These sutures can cause slight localized swelling during the healing process.  I also recommend gentle massage to my patients.  Most patients do not describe discomfort, but it is not abnormal.  Furthermore, there is  no damage being caused to the deep tissue layers/skin.

Good question.  I firmly believe in interacting with your healing tissues to speed up the healing process.  Massaging the areas after a facelift is a great idea.  It is also important for you to feel the feedback your body is giving you.  When you massage use the best moisturizer you have and start softly.  Massage to the point that you feel a tiny bit of discomfort and no more.  Just like when you get a massage and they ask you is this too uncomfortable or is this just right.  Have fun helping your body heal and get the results you are looking for.Do not try to get rid of the lumps overnight.  Massage slowly and watch for progressive improvement. Pamper yourself or have someone else pamper you face.  Enjoy the process.  Enjoy the results. 

It is not  uncommon for you to still be experiencing swelling at the 7 week mark. I would recommend you try some Lymphatic Drainage. This type of massage works on the lymphatic system which will help get rid of the swelling and also helps with any bruising. I do not believe the internal sutures are damaging your soft tissue.

Patients may often experience residual discomfort when performing scar massage at your stage of healing.  The small lumps that you are feeling are common at the site of the SMAS plication or resection (the step during facelift surgery which lifts the superficial facial muscles).  It is unlikely that the sutures are damaging your soft tissues.  The discomfort is most often related to recent surgery and immature healing.  Massage may promote scar remodelling as your scars soften and become less sensitive.Best,Stephanie Power MD, MSc, FRCSC