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.

Ramtin Kassir, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Bruising is
generally very common for the first two weeks following surgery, but some
patients may develop hemosiderin staining which is similar to bruising and may
last for about a year. Again, for bruising, time is often the best factor for
healing, but makeup can be worn for camouflage purposes.

Cheek Discoloration After Face Lift

Answers (5)