Can the Sides of my Neck Be Too Tight After Facelift?

Had face and neck lift Jan. 8th. Got hematoma behind right ear Drained with syr By 18th had hematomas behind both ears Left one smaller. Right one swelled so big scar burst open. Drained by pushing clots through burst area Sewed back Antibiotics Stitch out on 28th Swelling behind ears runs into veins & ligaments on sides of neck Ligaments stick out . So tight it feels like it will tear Stiff and painful. I

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hematoma scarring swelling tightness 3 weeks post-op drains

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by generalcongress

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Sides of Neck Tight after Hematomas and Face and Neck Lift

The hematomas increase facial swelling and irritation and can increase tightness at closure sites. The swelling will go down and the sensation of tightness will diminish. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Hematoma after Facelift

Hematomas are common after facelifts. Most are very small and are evacuated in a matter of seconds with a syringe. Larger hematomas may require opening of the wound, irrigation and cauterization to stop all bleeding, as well as re-application of a pressure wrap. This can delay your healing a bit, but should not affect your final result. If questions- always tell your surgeon!

Roy A. David, MD

11 reviews

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma

A resolving hematoma and associated inflammation can make the face feel much tighter - be patient and follow up with your surgeon

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Facelift, hematoma, scaring, tightness

In addition to the thoughtful comments you have already received, I wonder if the side that had the hematoma is much tighter than the other side. If so then it is either to one of two causes. Thers is excess scarring which for some months with thicken and tighten the result. After many moths the face will soften and the tight sensation resolve. Or there may be the case that some skin needed to be debrided from that side and the lack of skin resulted in excessive tension. If that... more

Facelift Tightness and Hematoma

Thank you for the question. Without seeing a photo, it is not possible to comment on the tightness or scarring. However, having experienced a hematoma can definitely change the healing process. Blood is irritating to the tissues and causes an inflammatory reaction. This can lead to texture changes in the skin and contour irregularities as you heal. Also, any incision that had to be reopened will heal slower. There are ways to manage these issues throughout the weeks and months after... more

Hematomas and healing after a face lift

I am sorry about the hematomas you had after your face lift. • The tightness is normal after a face lift hematoma. • Blood is irritating to tissues, scars thicken, then tighten. • You feel the tightness - it takes months to subside. • I inject my patients with TINY amounts of steroid to soften thick scars, Ask your surgeon if this might help you and Why you had two hematomas so late after surgery. It is quite rare. Best wishes!