What type and how often should Ultrasound Therapy be performed for post 5 weeks facelift hematoma residual effects? (photo)

Question

I have chosen to seek Ultra Sound Therapy in addition to the heat & massage that I do daily. How many treatments would be average? The physical therapists has NOT dealt with this before. The final choice was to use the conservative method of intermittent pulse without heat. Since paying for this out of pocket, is this a hopeless effort or is this the correct method to alleviate this ridge. I believe the other options were consistent pulse without heat, or either pulse with heat.

Michael Boggess, MD · Answer

Hello.  Thank you for your question.  Hematoma, a collection of blood underneath the skin, is certainly a risk of facelift surgery.  The best initial management is evacuation of collected blood from the potential space between the skin and underlying tissues, followed by compression to prevent re-accumulation of blood or fluid within the space.  Sometimes this may require serial aspiration or evacuation of fluid from the space as it heals, or placement of a drain.  The presence of collected blood under the skin can create an inflammatory reaction that can delay healing and cause firm ridges, bumps, and skin irregularities.  These issues will typically resolve with time, but it may take several months before the tissues return to normal.  Simple measures such as gentle massage, low dose steroid injections, and ultrasound treatments may help the inflammation resolve more quickly.  Rarely, revision surgery may be required, but this should be delayed until at least one year after the initial procedure to allow the body to heal optimally prior to any further intervention.  Each surgeon likely has a protocol for managing this type of complication, based on their own experience and expertise and factors related to each unique case.  However, the majority of these cases will improve significantly with time and patience.  I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your primary surgeon, be compliant with their recommendations, and be patient with the healing process.  I wish you the best in your recovery.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

The best treatment is time. It may be more than several months before you see marked improvement in your results. It's probably not worth paying for daily ultrasounds. Massage is good and you can do that yourself. It's best to be patient.

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

It is very unusual to have to drain a facelift hematoma through a neck incision so I am assuming you had a significant problem.  I would not try any scar treatments without consulting a board certified plastic surgeon.  If your original surgeon was not one, find one.  In my opinion heat is a mistake and I do not think ultrasound therapy will give any significant improvement in the scar.  Good luck, Jane.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

I know that you probably aren't going to want to hear this right now, but time is going to be the best healer. I don't really think that paying for daily ultrasound is really going to be worth it. Kindly,Kouros Azar

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

This can happen after a hematoma as the residual blood can be an irritant. Light massage, ultrasound, and even dilute kenalog can help. Often time is the best healer.

What type and how often should Ultrasound Therapy be performed for post 5 weeks facelift hematoma residual effects? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Ultrasound for hematoma

Answer: Ultrasound for hematoma

Answer: Neck issue

Answer: Neck issue

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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What type and how often should Ultrasound Therapy be performed for post 5 weeks facelift hematoma residual effects? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Ultrasound for hematoma

Answer: Ultrasound for hematoma

Answer: Neck issue

Answer: Neck issue

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.