Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] This question should probably be directed to a plastic surgeon, but here goes. I had a lower face lift and neck lift (the more invasive kind) almost 6 months ago and used a very reputable, board certified MD that I trusted from the recommendation of others, include an RN. I still have what feels like nerve pain to the touch and a pinching feeling in my earlobes and the area surrounding my earlobes, worse behind my ear lobes, with one ear being worse than the other ... which I understand had more work done. It s also still painful to wear glasses, so the top of the ears are still painful to the touch as well. The adhesions behind my ears are raised, but not visible. I had no infections after surgery. The last time I asked my doctor, about 6 weeks ago, he said it s still normal and may take up to a year to resolve, but I just want to confirm that. Are you able to answer that question? As a side note, I just had an anterior 3-level cervical fusion 4 weeks ago, which could not be delayed any longer, and am wearing a neck brace at this time (which does irritate the cosmetic neck lift issue), but it was happening full-blown before my fusion and continues to plague me. Please advise.
[|AI|]  Hello, You are correct about needing some input from a plastic surgeon familiar with this procedure since I cannot confirm what he says about the timeline as to when things should get better. The pain you are feeling is likely mechanical in nature and this is placing traction or stretching nerves in the area where the facelift attachment points are located. However, what I can say is that if the surgeon is not giving you any type of medication for this type of pain you are describing then, a reasonable choice or two may be something such as Gabapentin, Pregabalin, or Nortriptyline just to dull the pinching/stabbing feelings until the 1-year timeframe has elapsed.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.