I had a left neck dissection 18 months ago. I've bounced back quite well. The surgery wasn't too bad. INITIALLY I looked pretty rough. Following the neck dissection, my smile was completely crooked. A nerve in my back/shoulder area was cut so I also had a drooping shoulder. Because of the nerve being cut, I lost a great deal of muscle and movement in that shoulder and upper arm.

NOW I am back to my pre-neck dissection self. The scar on my neck is the only way you would know I ever had surgery. I completed 28 physical therapy sessions to work on my drooping shoulder, range of motion, strength, etc. They payed off. And although I thought my smile was ruined forever, I am happy to report that it is back and probably even bigger than before! The only difference to report is that I've lost most skin sensation on the left side of my neck between my jaw line and collar bone (e.g. I can feel pressure on my neck but don't feel the touch of fingers on my skin).

I strongly encourage as much physical therapy as possible. It helped me bounce back without any evidence of surgery. And make sure you do any and all exercises that may be recommended by doctors or physical therapists.

Good Luck!