Francine, I had a modified neck dissection on just one side, which did include muscle and nerves, and after the initial swelling due to trauma, my face seemed a little round only for a couple of weeks. Since then, I can see no difference from before. I had initial numbless over quite a large area, but many nerves have regenerated. I have also regained complete strength and range of motion in the shoulder. If it was thought I needed to have the other side done, I would do it in a New York minute! Bottom line, in my case, the swelling was very temporary, and for better or worse, I look just the same as I always did, just a little older now (grin). I think Cathy has hit it on the head about the docs having to give the full warning of everything that might happen. And for what its worth, I wear my hair up because the neck just doesn't look much different than the other side and not one person has ever commented on it. If you do have the surgery, odds are good that you will look just fine when you have healed.