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Bruising or Hematoma After Facelift?

I had a facelift on 4/13. All seemed fine, then about 4 days ago, I developed a very dark bruise or hemotoma on my left cheek. There's no pain, but should I be concerned or is this part of the normal healing process? Thanks.

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face bruising

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32 Doctor Answers | Asked by jpierce1 in cocoa beach fl us

Doctor Answers (32)
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Face Lift Bruising, Bleeding, or Hematoma

Any bruising, bleeding, or hematoma after face lift surgery should be immediately be known by the plastic surgeon. While a certain degree of bruising or bleeding from the incision / stitches is expected, a collection of blood (hematoma) underneath the skin should be treated right away. Hematomas are generally drained, or observed if very small. Hematomas after face lift surgery are more common in men and patients with high blood pressure. Blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal... more

Please see your surgeon!

Dear JPierce Some times patients are very considerate of their busy surgeon's: "I didn't want to bother you so I am waiting for my one week appointment." Please be aware that this hematoma potentially constitutes a threat to the facial skin over the area of the bruise. If you have not seen your doctor and you are reading this, I urge you to pick up your phone and call your surgeon. I assure you, your surgeon wants to hear from you. He or she will want to see you immediately... more

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

9 reviews

Los Angeles Oculoplastic Surgeon

Some bruising, some skin loss, and a possible hematoma

It's difficult to know without examining you, but from your photo you certainly have some skin loss and some bruising, and my guess is a small hematoma as well. I would see your surgeon ASAP as I am sure he would want to treat this in some manner, be it local wound care or drainage of the hematoma. In most cases, the good news is that after proper wound care and time, it should heal well and look acceptable compared to your other side.

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Looks like small hematoma with a little skin loss.

Hi. From the one picture and from the timing, I think you have a hematoma that should be looked at right away, because it could affect the result. I cannot tell you what treatment you need (most commonly, the blood clot is removed under anesthesia), but see you surgeon right away!

See your surgeon

While one photo clearly does not tell the whole story, I do think that you should see your surgeon for advice. It appears that the skin at the top, just in front of the ear, is looking compromised. Topical antibiotics, or other treatment may enhance your outcome.

Cause for concern

Of course you should be addressing these concerns to your own surgeon. From your photos, there appears to be an area of dark skin above your ear where your sideburns should be. If it is black, this is not normal. Your skin of the cheek area in front of your ear is quite dark and could very well indicate a hematoma or at least significant bruising that could compromise the viability and healing of the overlying skin. You should have your surgeon look at this as soon as possible since remedies... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Minimizing Bruising and Swelling Post Facelift

I think one of the most important things is to have the patient stop Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, and fish oils pre-operatively as well as atraumatic technique on behalf of the surgeon. I also add platelet rich plasma (PRP) which is an autologous internal glue to help minimize bruising and swelling in my patients. Bruising and swelling is not uncommon, however, if you have a hematoma that is significantly different. It needs to be acted upon and evacuated immediately. This is something that is... more

Rod J. Rohrich, MD

10 reviews

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Hematoma? Only Your Surgeon Can Tell

I agree with other posters that the 1st thing you should do is go and see your surgeon for any concerns. Secondly, although bruising is present, a hematoma does not appear to be present in this photograph. Lastly, the dark appearance of the skin beneath your sideburn suggests a small amount of skin flap necrosis. Although your surgeon is likely to take a very conservative approach with this issue, an absorbant dressing known as Polymem(3M) may be helpful. Treatment with Polymem is as... more

Facelift Complication

One picture does not tell the whole story nor is it as reliable as a formal examination. The dark / blue coloration of the right side suggests a small blood collection under the raised skin flap. if the skin is under any pressure, the collection would be best drained to reduce pressure on the skin which may lead to loss of blood flow in the skin. More worrisome, you appear to have partial loss of the skin in front of the upper portion of the ear. This needs to be dealt with immediately... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

35 reviews

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Likely a bruise

This dark area looks like a bruise. A hematoma may be possible but it is associated with localized fullness, pressure/tightness, and pain or discomfot. Make sure you keep in contact with the doctor. sek

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.