Scar tissue or cysts??? Numerous hard ridges and lumps after Facelift & fat transfer with no improvement at week 5.

Question

I have developed numerous hard ridges in my cheeks and neck that have shown no improvement in the last 2 weeks. My face is so tight that I can not smile and opening my mouth is limited. I have tried massage and warm compresses with no results. My scar was reopened for needle aspiration and the bumps were solid and could not be drained. It sounded like the needle was hitting hard califications. The surgeon now thinks it is scar tissue, or hardened oil cysts. Do I need a second opinion?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Most patients with facelifts that do not include grafting of fat are very passable in appearance within two weeks of the operation. Injection of fat creates swelling is the body response to this material. It may take a number of weeks for this to subside.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

A second opinion never hurts, but your problems may just go away on their own. If your nodules are firm, I personally would inject a small amount of dilute steroid in them. Otherwise, you are doing everything correctly. Hopefully over the next few weeks, things will normalize.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Plastic SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It sounds to me you had a post-op hematoma (bleeding) which clotted (hence hard initially) when not evacuated post surgery.  By 5 weeks, it should be amenable to aspiration.  You should visit your plastic surgeon again.It is unlikely to be cysts, calcifications or thick scars so early post surgery.Hope this helps!

Best regards,Dr. Marc DuPere, Toronto Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

At 5 weeks after a facelift, it is normal to have some lumpiness. Without pictures, its difficult to know the size and shape. Also, when did they develop? These are important questions that would help to know the answers to help you.

Michael N. Desvigne, MD, FACS · Answer

Lumps and bumpiness
after surgery is quite common.  Most
frequently it is scar tissue that typically will remodel and soften over time.
If fat transfer was performed, it is is however possible to for oil cysts in
the area of fat transfer.  If the fat
cells do not ultimately survive then they die or necrose and can also cause
scar tissue that may be firm, lumpy and or bumpy.  Week 5 typically results are appreciated
however, if there is still significant swelling these results may not be as
easily noticed.

Scar tissue or cysts??? Numerous hard ridges and lumps after Facelift & fat transfer with no improvement at week 5.

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Answer: Bumps after facelift

Answer: Scar tissue or cysts??? Numerous hard ridges and lumps after Facelift & fat transfer with no improvement at week 5.

Answer: Scar tissue or cysts??? Numerous hard ridges and lumps after Facelift & fat transfer with no improvement at week 5.

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Scar tissue or cysts??? Numerous hard ridges and lumps after Facelift & fat transfer with no improvement at week 5.

Answers (9)

Answer: Bumps after facelift

Answer: Bumps after facelift

Answer: Scar tissue or cysts??? Numerous hard ridges and lumps after Facelift & fat transfer with no improvement at week 5.

Answer: Scar tissue or cysts??? Numerous hard ridges and lumps after Facelift & fat transfer with no improvement at week 5.

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Everything you need to know about Facelift

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