I had a full face lift and shaving jawline on my face a week ago. Concerned about blood clots

Question

After 3 days , my doctor took off my blood drain but I got a blood fluid ( blood clots) under my left on my ear. I m concerned about it....

Hayley Brown, MD, FACS · Answer

If you have a blood clot under the skin, I would make sure your doctor is aware so that he or she can manage it appropriately. Larger blood clots typically need to be removed. Smaller ones may sometimes absorb or they can be aspirated with a needle when they are liquid in consistency.

Charles S. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

The treatment will depend very much on whether the blood is collecting under the skin (this requires draining if it is large) or is under the area of the bone removal (not critical to remove, depending on size). Stay in close contact with your surgeon.

Fernando Colon, MD · Answer

Be encourage. This is not a rare complication and
your surgeon should be able to assist you. The earlier
you notify him the better. After appropriate management
these most often heal without further concerns. Best wishes.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your blood clots. Make certain to stay in close contact with your surgeon so that he or she can monitor your recovery. With proper care, these blood clots should not cause any lasting harm.

Robert Drielsma, MBBS, BSc, FRACS · Answer

Collections of blood can occur and typically require needle aspiration or drainage. Your surgeon is in the best position to advise you about your post operative care.  If you have concerns than you should speak with your surgeon.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Sorry to hear you have had that complication but see your surgeon so he can manage it appropriately.  It will resolve with appropriate management and should not affect your result long termDr Corbin

Jon A. Perlman, MD (retired) · Answer

It's not that uncommon for a collection of blood to appear under the skin flap behind the ear.  I have found them avoidable through the use of fibrin glue over the last fifteen years but they can rarely occur.  These jelly like clots absorb fluid and liquify and sometimes require repeated needle aspiration or drainage.  Delaying may have negative effects on skin circulation if aspiration or drainage is necessary but is avoided so make sure that your doctor has seen you before problems can develop.    Regards,
Jon A. Perlman, M.D. FACS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
  
Beverly Hills, Ca.

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. While the risk of bleeding after a facelift is reasonably low, it is significantly higher with the mandible shaving. If you have any concerns, I recommend that you seek consultation with your plastic surgeon ASAP. Specific things you should look out for include: excessive bruising; skin redness or warmth; skin blistering, loss, or discoloration; excessive swelling or pain. Good luck!

Best
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS Harvard educated plastic surgeon

Best
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS  Harvard educated plastic surgeon

I had a full face lift and shaving jawline on my face a week ago. Concerned about blood clots

Answers (8)

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