Swelling and hard lumps behind my ears and swelling and discoloration in front of ears. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

7 weeks ago I had a minimally invasive lower face, jowls and neck lift. According to my doctor's website: 'The Lift is technically a simple procedure to perform, looping sutures at one end and tying them at the other.' I have large hard, numb swellings behind my ears with bruised appearance. The area to the front of my ears is also still swollen and discolored. My doctor doesn't want to see me for another 5 weeks. I fail to see any improvement on a day to day basis. Advice please.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

A form of "face lift" that you had is not frequently performed or popular between board certified  plastic surgeons. Residual skin which would be otherwise removed with open technique will tuck and create lumps. You have many reasons to be disappointed with your result as well as with surgeon who doesn't want to see you for 5 weeks.  You should seek a second opinion by a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

The #healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). Some degree of firmness or #lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Small incision face lifts often leave bunching behind the ear.  This likely will need laser and steroid/5fu injection treatment or a longer scar facelift procedure.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Ethan Philpott, MD · Answer

In my opinion, you need to raise your concerns with your surgeon.  The minimally invasive facelifts do tend to be only minimally effective.  Begin massaging the lumps, no way to tell if these lumps are suture material and inflammation, fibrosis or lymphatic changes.  In any event, begin massaging the problemmatic areas.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Although a lot of the swelling will settle and the skin excess will also improve you need to keep in contact with your PS. The sensation will also improve. Massage will help and you need to be shown how to do this. If you have lost trust with your surgeon get a second opinion.

Swelling and hard lumps behind my ears and swelling and discoloration in front of ears. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Contact your doctor

Answer: Contact your doctor

Answer: Minimal access

Answer: Minimal access

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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

Swelling and hard lumps behind my ears and swelling and discoloration in front of ears. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Contact your doctor

Answer: Contact your doctor

Answer: Minimal access

Answer: Minimal access

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lower Facelift

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