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Swollen and Lumpy 3 Weeks Post-op Facelift/necklift - Is This Normal Healing?

i have just had face lift and necklift 3 weeks 5 days ago . i am home from surgery abroad and my jawline looks amazing but hae quite a large lump at the side of my right neck.does not eem to be going down any and. have noticed little lumps appearing under chin aswell. is this normal healing process i do know swelling can take months?

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face neck lumps swelling female 1 month post-op

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14 Doctor Answers | Asked by jackie43 in scotland aberdeen

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Facelift Lumps at 3 weeks

Hi, The lumps are probably small blood collections that will soften with time. It does not appear like you have a hematoma on the side you have shown. It is true that your are a little more swollen than usually at 3 weeks but this should subside with time. You might want to find a massage therapist that specializes in lymphatic drainage, this will help with the swelling. Best, Dr.S.

Surgical lumps

We see this routinely at this stage. Years ago we would inject with steroids and massage. These lumps would go away in 3-6 months. The injections would hurt and massage would loosen skin. Now we do not inject or massage (or very little). They still go away in 3-6 months! Best to do nothing. I would still follow up closely with your plastic surgeon.

Lumps and Bumps after Facelift and Neck Lift

In the healing process, it is not uncommon to have some fullness or lumpiness after facelift and neck lift. These are generally in the lateral neck , below the ears, or immediately under the chin. The thing to watch out for is pain, increasing swelling, warmth, and fever. These can be signs of a hematoma, seroma, or infection. In my practice, I recommend some massage to the area, and in some cases, warm compresses. Minor irregularities typically resolve in 3 to 4 months. Make sure to follow... more

Lumps & Bumps May Take Up to 6 Wks to Heal; Your Large Bump Suggests You Have a Seroma or Hematoma - See Your Surgeon ASAP

Lumps and bumps following facelift surgery are not uncommon. These usually result from areas of tissue indurations, small blood clots and scar tissue. They typically respond to massage and show significant improvement in the first six weeks following surgery. The vast majority have resolved in about three months. The large bump on the right side of your neck represents an area of particular concern. This could be a seroma or hematoma and might require aspiration. It’s important that... more

Swollen and Lumpy 3 Weeks Post-op Facelift/necklift - Is This Normal Healing

Swelling could be normal but examination would be needed to tell if it was edema vs. a hematoma. Only a surgeon could tell with accuracy. If it is edema (soft tissue swelling) then observation is needed. However, if it is a hematoma then drainage is indicated and possibly a drain.

Facelift/necklift swelling suggestions

It depends on what type of facelift was done, but in general swelling 3 weeks after facelift is not normal. It could be a hematoma or a seroma in the area, and the fluid could be going down into the chin area to create swelling there. Treatment is indicated, usually aspiration and possibly placement of a drain for a couple of days

Facial swelling after a facelift is normal

It takes around 6 weeks for facial swelling to subside after a facelift. It is helpful to massage the face or have a massage therapist or Endermologist do it for you. If you have a fluid collection, it will need to be drained or you will have a persistent problem in this area with scarring.

Lumpiness 3 weeks after Face Lift

The swelling and lumpiness, in your photo, seems typical at 3 weeks post op from a traditional Face Lift. This can last up to a full year but will ultimately resolve. I personally don't place incisions in the siadeburn area or in front of the posterior hairline but rather place each several inches within the hair bearing scalp to hide them from plain sight.

Lumps and bumps after facelift

Having lumps and bumps (and swelling throughout the face and neck) after facelift is not unusual. Being patient during this time is a difficult time, but almost always, the swelling, lumps, and bumps will go down over the next few weeks to months.

P. Daniel Ward, MD

6 reviews

Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lumps after facelift

The lumps could be several things including fat necrosis, fluid collections, or small hematomas. You need to see a surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Lumpy bumpy 3 wk after facelift

3 weeks after a facelift - you are still healing! It takes a few months for all the swelling to go down. It's difficult to see the lump you are talking about in your picture, but I'd recommend you see your plastic surgeon to have him/her evaluate you - it's much better to have your surgeon examine you in person. I'm sure he/she would want to make sure you are healing well. Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.

Swelling 3 weeks after face lift surgery

Hello, It appears that you have a small amount of swelling below your earlobe. This could be a small collection of dry blood or fluid collection. This will resolve over time. You need to clean your incision sites and apply Kelocote or other anti scar creams on it.

Facelift recovery and early results

Hi , First, your picture suggests you are going to get a very good result. Your incision line does look a little scabby and perhaps you need to wash the area more with soap and water. I do not see the lumps you are writing about. Your doctor should be able to tell you exactly what they are by checking you in person. Little lumps, smaller than a grape, will likely go away without any treatment. A facelift and necklift result at 3 to 4 weeks can be very... more

Face and neck lift: lumps and bumps

It is quite normal to be slightly lumpy 3 weeks after a face and/or neck lift. However, you do seem to have excessive fullness in your right neck. You may have a hematoma which is best treated with drainage. Your incisions are also demonstrate a wide and necrotic appearance consistent individuals who smoke.