Is this skin mottling normal? (photos)

Question

I am 6 weeks post facelift & neck lift and am concerned about the irregularity of my chin incision and mottling of the skin of my neck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest RF treatments and pulsed dye laser to help soften the tight skin.  This is normal healing but may be permanent if you do not do some post operative treatments to promote healing and improvement in the circulation of the area.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

Changes in pigmentation following a facelift are either vessels or melanin. The process of lifting skin involves dissection and changes in the circulation. Many times veins which are present before the surgery will dilate as they carry more blood to compensate. In many instances these changes will recede in a few months. In some patients however they tend to be longer-lasting and then we use a vascular laser to seal the vessels. In this instance it would appear that a considerable amount of fat was removed from the subcutaneous tissue which may contribute to this.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Skin color changes are common as you go through the healing process. Redness can be from the initial stage of healing: inflammation. It can also be a sign of blood flow returning to the area. Both are normal and expected.Although rare, infection is something to catch early. Things to look out for include increasing pain, increasing swelling, hot redness, draining wounds, and high fevers. Anything concerning should be brought to your surgeon's attention. The photos you provided are consistent with early healing. Sun protection is the number one thing you can do to improve scars. Ask your surgeon regarding other strategies.

Richard A. D’Amico, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very difficult to assess the skin, especially color, from the photosAt six weeks post op, it is quite early to assess and much improvement is usually gained over more time just from normal healing, especially in healthy peopleYou should return to your surgeon and discuss

Lee A. Gibstein, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photosThe skin mottling in the upper neck is likely due to the dissection coupled with removal of fat. This can be seen with both direct fat excision but is more common with liposuction. This represents the skin struggling to heal and usually improves over several months but occasionally may not completely resolve. The submental incision is healing normally for six weeks and is likely to settle down and heal nicely over the next 6-8 weeks. You are still early in your recovery and many of your concerns are likely to resolve with time. Each person heals at a different rate so talk with your surgeon so they can ally your fears and get you through this healing period.Best of LuckDrG

Gregory Park, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Irregularities in the neck and face can occur after a neck or facelift in the early stages of healing. They will improve in most cases. However, in cases where aggressive removal of fat is done with liposuction or direct excision, mottling and contour irregularities can occur and persist. I recommend following up with your plastic surgeon to address your concerns. Thank you for sharing your question and photos. Best wishes.Dr. Gregory Park

Is this skin mottling normal? (photos)

Answers (6)

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