What color is the cheek discoloration? It may be hemosiderin.

David C. Pearson, MD answers: Cheek discoloration after Face Lift

I had a Face Lift 45 days ago. Where the plastic surgeon pulled the platysma on my cheeks, I now have about 1" of discoloration. It looks like a light bruise, but deeper than the surface. There is no pain. What is happening? Will this correct over time? What can I do to accelerate healing process?


David C. Pearson, MD
1 month ago

Without seeing your face, I can't really comment specifically, but several possibilities exist. Most bruising resolves by two weeks, so 45 days of it would be unlikely to be bruising.

In some patients who experience excessive bruising or who develop a hematoma (blood collection), a condition called hemosiderin staining can occur, which can look similar to a bruise but lasts much longer. Hemosiderin staining has no good solution other than the passage of time and can take a year or longer to resolve.

A third cause of prolonged discoloration is a condition known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is the result of melanin deposition (like a tan). PIH can often be reduced with the use of 4% hydroquinone cream or with Tri-Luma cream (both are by prescription only).

Hope this helps,

--DCP

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