lymphedema

I have swelling under my left jaw that hasn't gone away. My PS said it was lymphatic blockage. I'm 6 weeks into my healing and I'm starting to get worried about this lump under my jaw. I'm concerned that maybe he injured my lymphatic system and damaged my vessels. Can this happen as a result of neck lift procedure?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

There is an extensive lymphatic network that drains the neck, so it is unlikely that your surgery has resulted in lymphedema.  Swelling may be due to a bleed into the tissues that has converted to scar tissue.  This universally resolves with time.  You may want to discuss the use of a pressure chin strap with your surgeon to resolve the swelling more rapidly.