Bruising or Hematoma After Facelift?

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 to confirm that the circulation in the facial flap is not being compromised by the hematoma. If so, there are interventions that can be performed right in the office by your surgeon to help preserve the facial skin. Less serious hematomas can simply be observed but don't make this call on your own. Please stop reading this website, and pick up your phone and call your surgeon.
Please let the RealSelf community how things went.

Hi @JPierce1,
Thank you for your question and sharing the images! 
Facelift recovery tends to be predictable: Usually you can expect about a week for bruising and another week of swelling. Sutures come out at a week and you can apply make-up at that time.
In your case, you look like some of the skin near the ear is not viable and a deep bruise. You should call your doctor immediately when you notice anything that seems like a new bruise or new swelling because we would want to know about it to treat it before irreversible damage to the skin occurs.
I hope you get better soon!


K. Chopra, M.D.
Johns Hopkins Trained Plastic Surgeon

Face, Body and Breast Expert

Although this one photo can not replace an in-person examination, I am concerned with a hematoma in your situation. Therefore, I hope that you can see your surgeon quickly for examination and appropriate management of your recovery. Hematoma formation is one of the most common complication after facelift with an incidence of 2-3%. If treated in a timely fashion, it usually does not cause lasting problems or aesthetic issues. In contrast, if one waits too long, skin loss, scaring, infection etc. can arise.