What can I do to help alleviate the ear and throat pain postoperatively?

After a deep plane facelift and/or isolated deep neck lift, patients can experience acute pain in their ears and throat due to nerve irritation, tissue swelling, and surgical manipulation. To help ease this discomfort, the following strategies can be effective:

1. Medications
   - Prescription pain relievers: prescription pain medications, like opioids, are typically prescribed for the first few days post-surgery to manage more intense pain. 
   - Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers: following surgery. we instruct patients to schedule acetaminophen (Tylenol) several times daily to help with baseline pain control. 

   - Throat lozenges or sprays: for sore throat relief, soothing lozenges, throat sprays, or saltwater gargles can provide comfort.

2. Cold Compresses
   - Applying cold compresses or ice packs around the jawline, neck, and behind the ears can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary relief from pain. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin and use cold therapy for 15-20 minutes at a time

3. Head and Neck Elevation
   - Keeping the head and neck elevated especially during the day and while awake, can help reduce swelling and pressure in the surgical area, which in turn can alleviate some of the pain and discomfort in the ears and throat.

4. Hydration and Soothing Foods
   - Staying hydrated can help ease throat discomfort. Drinking warm teas, broths, or cool water can provide soothing relief.
   - Soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies, or applesauce may be easier to swallow if your throat is sore.

5. Gentle Massage
   - In office, we can perform gentle lymphatic drainage massage to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort around the neck and ears. 

6. Avoid Excessive Movement
   - Limiting neck and jaw movement, especially excessive turning or stretching, can help minimize pain in the throat and around the ears. Avoiding activities that strain the neck (like excessive talking and chewing, lifting heavy objects, etc.) is important for allowing proper healing and reducing discomfort.