6 weeks out from a facelift and I woke up with blood/fluid coming out of my ear canal. Is this normal?

Question

it will be 6 weeks since my face lift procedure. I do have swelling under the chin area and am very concerned. I started to massage the area as told by my Doc and the first night I did this I woke up with blood/fluid (small amount) coming out of my ear canal, both ears. Is this also normal? Thank you for your answer in advance.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

It is important to determine whether the blood is truly from the ear canal or from the incisions around the ear. If you were massaging your neck and blood came out from the incisions, this is likely due to the massaging of old blood under the skin that is working its way out. Old, dark blood coming from the ear canals can be blood that clotted in your ears at surgery and is now dissolving. If you have bright blood coming from your ears, you should be examined to determine the cause.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I'm not sure why you are having the drainage you describe. This should have ceased a long time ago. Your surgeon should carefully investigate the source.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

You are far enough out from your surgery where there shouldn't be any fresh bleeding.  This may be old blood which was in your ear canal since surgery or fluid from under your chin which drained out your incision and appeared to come from your ear canal.  That said, you need to return to your surgeon for an examinatin to find the real cause.  Best of luck.

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

You may have had a small amount of blood that dissolved and was expressed from an incision site near your ear after your massage. If the blood is bright red and you may have an area near your ears that is still healing. Typically these will be quite sore if present. More than likely the "blood" was old and may even have a yellow tint. If you have "squishy" areas under the skin in the area that was operated on your massages will help these dissolve. Be sure to bring it to the attention of your surgeon. Dr. JA. Dean Jabs M.D., Ph.D.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBethesda MD/McLean VA

R. Scott Yarish, MD · Answer

If this is related to the facelift, the most likely culprit is from blood that was either left in the ear at the time of the surgery, or that accumulated from drainage after the surgery.  Blood in the ear at the time of surgery is very common and is typically irrigated from the ear canal before dressings are put on after the surgery.  However, some drainage into the ear from facelift incisions can occur after the dressings have been applied and will drain out of the ear canal up to several weeks later.  However, to be sure, you should have an evaluation by your surgeon to make sure there is nothing else happening that is related to the ear itself.

Gregory J. Vipond, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It is very common for some blood to get into the ear canal during facelift surgery. I always clean the ear canals after surgery, but it is possible for small amounts of blood to remain. The skin of the ear canal will help bring the blood to the surface where it can be noticed when cleaning the ear or face. This can happen a number of weeks after the surgery. It is important to see your surgeon just to be sure that there is nothing else going on. With regard to swelling underneath the chin, it could be normal swelling after either liposuction or muscle tightening, but your surgeon should be able to tell you more definitively.

Kyle S. Choe, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Cedelucia,It is very unusual for any fluid to leak 6 weeks after surgery. I would see your surgeon and have a follow-up visit.It is possible that there was a small hematoma or seroma with residual fluid that is leaking out now. Still very unusual for this to happen at 6 weeks.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

I agree with my colleagues, this could be old blood in your ear canal, it could be drainage of a fluid collection in front of your ear. It's just hard to tell anything without a good physical examination. I would contact your plastic surgeon, he/she will be able to identify the problem and help you resolving it. Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

Marc Polecritti, DO · Answer

Impossible to determine a cause without an exam.  An in person exam of the ear canal, eardrum, and incision line around the ear is needed and should lead to the source.  Make sure to mention the color, amount and consistency of the blood you saw.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

It is very important that you see your plastic surgeon for an examination and diagnosis.  At 6 weeks post op, it is unusual to experience bleeding.  Best wishes!

6 weeks out from a facelift and I woke up with blood/fluid coming out of my ear canal. Is this normal?

Answers (11)

More Facelift Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (11)

More Facelift Questions

Facelift and/or fillers with melasma. Will it cause the melasma to flare? (Photo)

Facelift or fillers at 37? (Photo)

How important is sleep position after a facelift? How can I learn to sleep on my back?

Is the feather lift effective?

I'm thinking about getting surgery or something for facial asymmetry. What would help and the cost? (photos)

What and why do I have wavy/rippled place on face after Facelift?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS