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Chronic Pain Following face lift

2 years ago I had a neck lift, with lipo under the chin and my upper and lower eyes done.  I have had constant and often debilitating pain since the surgery.  Burning like Chinese burns, no feeling to the sides of the face, tightness  that is overwheelming.  Slight swelling along the jawline RHS that is worse at different times.

I've had blood tests, xrays, ultrasound, second opinions from other plastics surgeons and doctors.  No-one has any answers with the original ps telling me it is all in my head as this doesn' happen.  Turning my head to the RHS is often difficult and causes further pain.

I can't stand the pain and the numbness to the outside and the burning to the inside.

I have massage a couple of times a week to the neck area, and this does give me some relief. I get constant headaces as a result - I never had headaches before.

I don't know who to turn to or what to do, but living this life of pain is not what I envisaged.

Externally the results look great but the price for this is way too high.




This discussion is related to  chronic pain.
7 Responses
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20881637 tn?1562242003
After facelift surgical operation you have to expect a few swelling and possibly some bruising, in addition to a few numbness at the cheeks wherein pores and skin has been multiplied. Facelift surgical operation is not usually too painful.
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Avatar universal
Hi Kathy,
I also had a neck lift with lipo 4 years ago and continue to experience the same symptoms you have (i.e. constant and debilitating pain under my neck, often extending to my ears; chinese burning, and overwhelming tightness).  Similarly, I was told it had never happened to any of my surgeon's patients but I was subsequently told my the nurse that one other patient had the exact symptoms.  The only thing that has helped me somewhat is lyrica (150 mg 3 times a day).  
Can you let me know if you have found anything to help ease your pain - thank you.
Helpful - 0
12063262 tn?1423218584
Chronic Pain may start with an preliminary trauma/injury or contamination, or there might be a regular reason for discomfort. Many people suffer chronic pain within the lack of any previous injury or proof of body harm.

The actual emotional toll associated with chronic pain may also make discomfort worse. Anxiousness, tension, depressive disorders, frustration, and exhaustion interact in complicated ways with persistent pain and could cure the body's creation of natural pain relievers; furthermore, such unfavorable feelings may boost the degree of substances which amplify sensations associated with pain, leading to a vicious period of pain for your individual. The particular body's simplest defenses might be compromised. There is certainly considerable proof that unrelenting discomfort can suppress immune system.
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Avatar universal
Kathy,
I had neck lift and face lift at 57, I am now 65 and still have terrible discomfort, tight inside and aches.  It has caused me immeasurable suffering.  The procedure brought about the desired results beyond measure but the internal distress took away the giddiness of restored youthful appearance fast. However, when I'm out and about and distracted I'm not thinking about it it's not there. Mother nature can be cruel sometimes.  I have fibromyalgia and some breathing issues and wonder if this didn't contribute to it.  I'm working on self-hypnosis because if I can get my mind off it sometimes maybe I can learn to control my unruly mind.  Good luck to you.
Bluechi55
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Avatar universal
thank you for the replies

I will keep you informed - this is a long journey.
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Avatar universal
Dysesthesia, or an unpleasant sensation occurring this long after surgery may warrant further treatment.

Is there scarring or tethering that is causing the problem?

Usually nerve pains such as this go away shortly after surgery with massage and desensitization therapies. Patients are often surprised to find out that massage, though unpleasant at first, can often reduce or eliminate this type of nerve pain. Instinctively, the patient protects the area, but this just makes the problem worse.

If nerve pain persists, the patient may want to ask their surgeon about consulting with a neurologist or pain specialist. They can prescribe medications such as low dose neurontin to help reduce the nerve pain while the patient undergoes therapy specific for the pain.
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Liposuction is a surgical procedure and like any other surgical procedure there are many complications of liposuction like superficial irregularities of the skin, seromas, hematomas, focal skin necrosis, allergic reactions to drugs, visible or disfiguring scars, discoloration of the skin, fainting during or after surgery, temporary bruising, numbness or nerve injury, and temporary adverse drug reactions.

Your symptoms can be due to nerve injury for which you should consult a neurologist and get a nerve conduction velocity test done.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.
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