POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews
3 weeks post-op & not sure: be aware of post face/neck lift impacts
UPDATED FROM WAWoman1234
19 days post
Drain ridges in neck post face/neck lift
$18,000
I don't know how to change the title of the original post, but wanted to be more descriptive, in case someone searches for ridges and/or ear pain. Ridges still very prominent. Still extreme inner ear pain. No update yet.
ORIGINAL POST
Not Sure: Be Aware of Post Face/Neck Lift Impacts
I have taken very good care of my skin with years of non-surgical procedures. However, I started to become afraid my neck was going to give me away and ageism is alive and well in my industry. (I am also thin with little fat, including in my face and neck. No distinct plat bands - I've had botox there for years).
I researched this procedure for 2 years - surgeon interviews here in state as well as CA. Discussions with prior patients, tons of internet research etc. I have never seen/heard ANYTHING about one issue (neck "channels") and just yesterday found something on persistent, intense, ear pain.
I have been told the "channels" are from the drains and that they will resolve. Not only are they painful (whether you touch them or not) they are ugly...and prevent me from face to face visits. The ear pain is not from the incisions. It's a bilateral, consistent, deep pain, sometimes with pressure (like being in an airplane). It's extraordinarily difficult to live with as someone that needs to speak and listen all day for work (forget headphones!). As mentioned, yesterday, on here, I found a response from a doc from 2018 that said something to the effect of ear pain being "a not uncommon side effect and something that surgeons should discuss preoperatively more often." Um. Yes, please.
I, like most of us I'm sure, want as much information as possible before I make really significant decisions. What you see the most of are things like, "facelifts are not considered that painful" or "if you need RX painkillers, you'll likely be able to stop at day 4 or 5" or "most people can be back in the office at 2 weeks!" or "it can take up to a year for the swelling to subside, but most people won't notice" etc, etc, etc. Just know there's the potential for more and ask specifically about things that could impact you on a day to day basis, and what (and for how long) you can live with the effects. (As I said, I'm not "office ready" at 3 weeks, and though I'm not on RX meds, XS Tylenol isn't helping the ears. These are significant side effects for me.)
For the record, I like and respect my surgeon. I'm discussing hyperbaric with him this next week, though that could be problematic b/c of the ear pain.
Sooo. Unsure about the procedure at 3 weeks. I looked far better before hand! I'm trusting in the healing process and additional medical help, if needed.
I researched this procedure for 2 years - surgeon interviews here in state as well as CA. Discussions with prior patients, tons of internet research etc. I have never seen/heard ANYTHING about one issue (neck "channels") and just yesterday found something on persistent, intense, ear pain.
I have been told the "channels" are from the drains and that they will resolve. Not only are they painful (whether you touch them or not) they are ugly...and prevent me from face to face visits. The ear pain is not from the incisions. It's a bilateral, consistent, deep pain, sometimes with pressure (like being in an airplane). It's extraordinarily difficult to live with as someone that needs to speak and listen all day for work (forget headphones!). As mentioned, yesterday, on here, I found a response from a doc from 2018 that said something to the effect of ear pain being "a not uncommon side effect and something that surgeons should discuss preoperatively more often." Um. Yes, please.
I, like most of us I'm sure, want as much information as possible before I make really significant decisions. What you see the most of are things like, "facelifts are not considered that painful" or "if you need RX painkillers, you'll likely be able to stop at day 4 or 5" or "most people can be back in the office at 2 weeks!" or "it can take up to a year for the swelling to subside, but most people won't notice" etc, etc, etc. Just know there's the potential for more and ask specifically about things that could impact you on a day to day basis, and what (and for how long) you can live with the effects. (As I said, I'm not "office ready" at 3 weeks, and though I'm not on RX meds, XS Tylenol isn't helping the ears. These are significant side effects for me.)
For the record, I like and respect my surgeon. I'm discussing hyperbaric with him this next week, though that could be problematic b/c of the ear pain.
Sooo. Unsure about the procedure at 3 weeks. I looked far better before hand! I'm trusting in the healing process and additional medical help, if needed.
Replies (2)
Thank you for sharing your review but I'm sorry to read you're going through this - I hope the ear pain passes really soon, please feel free to update the community anytime.
I totally agree. A facelift is very painful the first 2 weeks at least. My ears were very sore and I felt depressed which is perfectly normal. I am 8 weeks post op and my ears have healed 99%. My face still has some swelling but they will take time. Overall I am very happy with my results. I am seeing my surgeon for a follow up next week. I do believe things will improve for you. I was miserable for an entire month but suddenly turned the corner for the better. All surgeries are traumatic no matter how strong or high your pain threshold is. Hang in there.
Replies (5)
I wonder if your pain could be related to blood in your ears if it were deeper or worse than mine? That's a shot in the dark obviously, but thought I would throw it out there.
I'm over the two month mark and it's still a rollercoaster. I hope you get some relief and end up with results that make it all worthwhile.