Cheek Discoloration After Face Lift

Question

I had a Face Lift 45 days ago. Where the plastic surgeon pulled the platysma on my cheeks, I now have about 1' of discoloration. It looks like a light bruise, but deeper than the surface. There is no pain. What is happening? Will this correct over time? What can I do to accelerate healing process?

David C. Pearson, MD · Answer

Without seeing your face, I can't really comment specifically, but several possibilities exist. Most bruising resolves by two weeks, so 45 days of it would be unlikely to be bruising.
In some patients who experience excessive bruising or who develop a hematoma (blood collection), a condition called hemosiderin staining can occur, which can look similar to a bruise but lasts much longer. Hemosiderin staining has no good solution other than the passage of time and can take a year or longer to resolve.
A third cause of prolonged discoloration is a condition known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), which is the result of melanin deposition (like a tan). PIH can often be reduced with the use of 4% hydroquinone cream or with Tri-Luma cream (both are by prescription only).
Hope this helps,
--DCP

Avron Lipschitz, MD · Answer

After surgical rejuvenation of the face, discoloration may occur due to small hematomas under the skin. Once the hematoma resolves the discoloration typically improves. Some patients may experience prolonged discoloration due to staining of the skin. Over time these usually improve. New experience with a gently laser 1064 nm yag (Cutera's laser genesis ) has been helpful to improve small areas of discoloration. Be careful with lasers over a fresh facelift.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Discoloration after a facelift is highly unusual 45 days after the procedure.  Possible causes would include:

	
		an unresolved bruise
	
		visible deep permanent suture
	
		area of hyperpigmentation (can be seen with sametime LASER and Peels)

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is slightly confusing. The platysma is generally in the neck and tapers out and nearly disappears by the time it reaches the cheek,
It sounds as if you may have experienced a hematoma. These can be evacuated via a variety of techniques.
Topical massage and arnica may help.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The discoloration can be many different things.  You really h ave to give it some time to heal. If you are concerned than you shoudl check with your surgeon.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

You describe a situation can be the result of a small blood collection (hematoma) under the skin. You can also have a discoloration of the skin as a result of nerves being cut at the time of surgery. in either case, the color resolves within 6 months from surgery.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

I agree with the other consultants that the bluish discoloration may represent a small amount of blood which remained under the skin. Some thin skinned individuals may also note the proliferation of spider veins after this type of surgery. Neovascularization (or the ingrowth of blood vessels) is a normal part of wound healing. Be patient, massage gently and realize that a facelift's results may blossom in up to a year. good luck.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

It is very possible to see skin discoloration six weeks after a facelift. This is probably a sign of old blood collected under the skin. Do not be concerned - the body will absorb and disperse this fluid.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is not normal to have discoloration 6+ weeks after a facelift but it could be some resolving bruising that occurred at surgery. Arnica creams, massage and manual lympahtic drainage can possibly help speed the resolution. It should all go away at some point.

Cheek Discoloration After Face Lift

Answers (9)

More Facelift Questions

How Much Does Ribbon Facelift Cost?

Red Lines from Face Lift Sutures

What Are the Side Effects of Deep Plane Facelift?

What is a Ribbon Lift?

What's the Maximum Number of Facelifts You Can Have?

What is Acceptable Background to Do Facelift Surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS