Tips for dealing with chin/ear tightness post-facelift?

Hi! I am one-week post-op from a lower facelift. Overall I'm doing okay and (although it's hard to totally tell because of swelling) I think I'm going to be really happy with the results. My question is about recovery. My post-procedure packet (and helpful folks on RealSelf!) made it clear that I should expect tightness behind the ears and the rope-like feeling across the neck. But there is reading about it...and then there's the actual experience!! :) From what I read, this feeling is supposed to "peak" around week 3. This makes me nervous, because it's hard to imagine it feeling more uncomfortable than it does right now!  Do doctors or patients with experience have any advice on how to deal with the pain, discomfort, and anxiety this feeling causes? I'm not sure if it's helpful (or safe) to gently massage the area, and my doctor has cautioned against cold or hot compresses. Right now I'm taking Aleve, which helps with pain but doesn't do much for this feeling.  Any advice appreciated!!