Is This Normal Swelling from Lower Face Lift?

asked 1 year ago by betsy in FTL in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Latest answer by Richard Galitz, MD
Question viewed 642 times
Tags: normal, swelling

Had lower facelift & CO2 laser 9 days ago. Mainly recuperating well, except lower right side of jawline and upper neck has swelled so badly, dr has drained 3 times. Left side is fine and less swollen each day. Dr. says he has never seen this level of swelling but doesn't seem concerned. Is this normal or could I have some compromised lymph situation going on? I have to return to work in six more days (15 days total), so if this is a complication, I need to find solution quick. Suggestions?

7 answers to Is This Normal Swelling from Lower Face Lift?

Recurrent swelling requiring drainage following "lower facelift" is uncommon

Recurrent swelling requiring drainage following "lower facelift" is uncommon. I agree with my collague that this is likely a seroma or resolving hematoma. Very uncommon causes include a sialocele or fistula. This would be very rare. Options for management include repeated drainage following by a compression dressing to prevent reaccumulation. If you followup closely with your plastic surgeon, this will likely heal just fine. Returning to work in 6 more days might be an issue... more

Stephen Weber, MD
Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after facelift

Dear facelift patient from FL, The type of swelling that you are describing is not uncommon after a facelift and is what sound like something called seroma. A seroma is a collection of fluid under the skin which is a result of raising the face and neck skin with maniupulation of the underlying fat. As I said it is not uncommon and the body will eventually reabsorb the fluid if it is just a small amount. If it is a larger amount, occaisonally it will require... more

Mark Ginsburg, DO
Media Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lower facelift swelling requiring drainage 3 times is unusual.

Fluid collecting in the neck and lower face 9 days post-op lower facelift, and requiring drainage 3 times thus far, is not the usual course following this surgery. Your surgeon is aspirating the fluid, but this seems inadequate since it has required continued aspiration. If it is diminishing each time and further aspiration is unnecessary, then this is the way to go. But, if fluid continues to accumulate, you only increase your risk of lumpiness, irregularity, or less-than-ideal result... more

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

Lower facelift swelling

One complication of facelift work is collections of blood in the surgical site (hematoma) and collections of serous fluid (non-hematologic fluid). Both need to be drained pretty much daily until they resolve. Some surgeons use pressure dressings, but this can harm the skin. Occasionally the wound needs to be opened and evaluated.

Richard Galitz, MD
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.aventuraplasticsurgery.com

Swelling and serums are diffent animals!

Your recurrent swelling that requires drainage seems to suggest fluid accumulation - "seroma" - more than simple swelling - "edema". Seromas can be treated by repeated needle drainage, pressure dressings, or placement of a passive or active surgical drain. The important thing is that your seroma gets treated and closely followed to speed your full recovery. It seems like your surgeon is involved in your follow up care - keep seeing him/her frequently... more

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD
Saint Louis Facial Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after a Lower Facelift

What you are describing sounds like a hematoma or seroma and that your surgeon is using a syringe to aspirate the fluid build up. While this is not common after facelift surgery it does occur. I would suggest a compression dressing and continued continuity in care. This is a complication that requires good post operative care and many visits to your surgeon. As far as getting back to work in time this will depend on where you are in the recovery process and what your surgeon suggests for... more

Michael Elam, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

Swelling after a lower face lift

At 9 days after a lower face lift, it is not unusual to still have swelling. From your description it sounds as if you have developed a seroma or hematoma on your right side. This can happen and I believe your doctor has treated it appropriately with needle aspiration. If the fluid collection persists he may want to place a small suction drain in the area for a few days. A light compression bandage should also help, but don't worry the fluid collection... more

Vincent D. Lepore, MD
San Jose Plastic Surgeon

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