I Had A Facelift On XXXXXXX 21, 2018 Which Included

Posted on Mon, 5 Nov 2018

Question: I had a facelift on XXXXXXX 21, 2018 which included tightening the neck. About 6 weeks following surgery I began to have pain in my neck, shoulders, arms and hands. I have had NCS and EMG tests which were negative and had full blood workups. All normal. Lyme Disease test was also negative. I have a keloid scar ion the back of my neck that is sore for which I am getting monthly injections of Cortisone. Can the facelift surgery cause the pain that I am experiencing? How do I eliminate that as a possible source of the pain?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keloid could be a possible reason for pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to ask a doctor service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I don't think a face lift surgery is a primary explanation of pain in your arms, hands, shoulders and neck. Firstly, there was a time lag of 6 weeks between surgery and the onset of your symptoms. Secondly, a face lift surgery on face/ neck is quite distant from the site of your symptoms.
Possibly, the pain is primarily due to the keloid scar because as you say that it is 'sore' and if this thickened scar is from the recent face lift surgery then the time lag (6 weeks) between surgery and the onset of your symptoms would be about the same time a surgical scar would take to turn into a keloid scar i.e 6-8 weeks post surgery.
I suggest you to continue with intralesional steroid injections (triamcinolone acetonide). In addition I suggest silicone gel sheet to help flatten the scar.

take care.
Let me know if I can assist you further

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj