After lower facelift/neck lift, still numb after 10 months

I agree. It would be nice if expectations were set by doctor! I am experiencing same thing 6 months post op. after mid-face lift and fat transfer in upper lip. No feeling in upper lift has been very difficult!

I had neck and face lifts (face lift at cheeks only to lessen the effects of some bad acne scarring) in 2012, 6 years ago, at age 46. The numbness under the chin and all over the neck, from ear to ear, is still with me. Feels like a vice around my neck 24/7. Not pain, but discomfort. Only really feel comfortable when my neck is hugging a pillow, but otherwise, I adapted to it in time and rarely notice it...maybe once a day when the pulling may be more intense. Probably the most debilitating thing about it is that I actually have a hard time THINKING and concentrating on anything, esp. bookkeeping and formulating a complex thought or verbal presentation. It almost feels like all of my nerves stimuli are so pre-occupied with what is going on at my neck, that when it's needed, can't make the transfer to my brain. In the first year after surgery, I would fall asleep at the wheel of my car if driving longer than 30 minutes. I used to be an avid reader, but no more....I will fall asleep after 5 minutes of reading. I no longer read. The condition has definitely ill-effected my quality of life and having the surgery is definitely one of my top 3 greatest regrets. A neurologist met with me for an hour. She said that my surgeon likely cut the nerves not on just one side, but on both sides, since the numbness is identical on both sides. The statute of limitations has run out to sue, plus malpractice attorneys never take the cases because they can't win them. The numbness is considered "recovery" and "recovery time is different for everyone", that's how the surgeons get away with their crimes.

I had neck and face lifts (face lift at cheeks only to lessen the effects of some bad acne scarring) in 2012, 6 years ago, at age 46. The numbness under the chin and all over the neck, from ear to ear, is still with me. Feels like a vice around my neck 24/7. Not pain, but discomfort. Only really feel comfortable when my neck is hugging a pillow, but otherwise, I adapted to it in time and rarely notice it...maybe once a day when the pulling may be more intense. Probably the most debilitating thing about it is that I actually have a hard time THINKING and concentrating on anything, esp. bookkeeping and formulating a complex thought or verbal presentation. It almost feels like all of my nerves stimuli are so pre-occupied with what is going on at my neck, that when it's needed, can't make the transfer to my brain. In the first year after surgery, I would fall asleep at the wheel of my car if driving longer than 30 minutes. I used to be an avid reader, but no more....I will fall asleep after 5 minutes of reading. I no longer read. The condition has definitely ill-effected my quality of life and having the surgery is definitely one of my top 3 greatest regrets. A neurologist met with me for an hour. She said that my surgeon likely cut the nerves not on just one side, but on both sides, since the numbness is identical on both sides. The statute of limitations has run out to sue, plus malpractice attorneys never take the cases because they can't win them. The numbness is considered "recovery" and "recovery time is different for everyone", that's how the surgeons get away with their crimes.

Hi, your message really scared me and made me fell hesitated, i am planning to do my neck lift surgery by the middle od Feb., after reading all this i fell scared to death and dont know what to do

Hi I’m writing to ask how you are doing over a year down the road. I am 5 weeks post op with exactly same symptoms as you and I’m worn out with it all! Wish I hadn’t done it

I still feel some almost 2 years later... well worth the out come

I feel so bad i went to the maitland office and now my neck is ruined 2 times done left with horrible burning and pulli ng and bad bruising it was a neck lift. and horrible vein that sticks out worst mistake lifestyle lift closed down cant sue depressed im seeing a therapist a nd take nerve med.

I had a face and neck left. It had been two months and I am still numb and my neck and right side. I also got paralysis my mouth is now normal but I don’t know if it’s to paralysis that is making me numb and swollen or the facelift. It’s kind of scary.

I'm wondering if it's just still to early? And how do u feel about how it looks. Did it tighten up the platysima and do u feel it's better, smoother?

Wow this is so scary. Im rethinking my surgery.

Jillian, I have the same problem... did you ever get anything resolved? Is it permanent?

4 months today. I had neck lift and lower face lift which was done to address the jowl area. Muscle under neck Tightened ,Lipo, and mid cheek flap. Was told I would be socially presentable in 2 weeks. Could not take pain meds, made me sick. I feel I had better results 4 weeks post op. As swelling in neck started to subside Left side started to look like a double chin, Right side under chin looks like a triple chin. I try and style my hair to hide the chins I now have. I have avoided so many gatherings so that I'm not asked what is wrong with my neck. Dr says there is a procedure that will fix problem but cannot do anything until 6 months. And with that procedure comes weeks of swelling and weeks with chin strap. Don't even want to think about months of hiding out. My cheeks still sting like a sunburn when I smile. And that has just started feeling normal. I think if Dr's told us the truth about recovery and possible follow up procedures a lot of people would decide against it. ( My Plastic Surgeon comes highly recommended ) and is Board Certified. Everyone heals differently, I had no brusing, and luckily very little pain. Which was good since I could not tolerate meds. Hope this is helpful.

My smile was crooked for about four weeks and then it was fine.

I agree, they are not upfront about possible complications. My surgeon said if he told me every possible complication beforehand I would never get the surgery done. He is right. I regret doing it. After 8 months, my right side is still numb, my right ear is tender and sometimes it is painful. My neck muscles are uncomfortably tight I feel like I am wearing a very tight turtle neck. My skin is a little droopy on the right side. He tells me to be patient. Some people take longer to heal completely.

Did you get the surgery? How are you doing?