Skin flap facial reconstruction. Is the swelling of the area where the skin flap was placed normal?

Question

I recently had a facial reconstructive surgery and was wondering if swelling of the area where the skin flap was placed (cheek) 8 months after surgery is normal? my cheek has swelled up the colour looks to be bruised in nature.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

I hope your flap reconstruction was successful.  It is not unusual to have swelling where the flap was taken from months after the surgery.  If you have concerns please follow up with your surgeon.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

Depending on what specifically was done, swelling can occur for up to a year, or even longer, after surgery.  If you have any concerns about the appearance I would recommend scheduling an appointment with your surgeon so that they may examine and evaluate you.  Good luck.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Anybody who has had facial reconstruction will from time to time experience swelling in the reconstructed area. This occurs because the normal fluid drainage from the area gets affected by the reconstruction. It should come and go, however. If you're having persistent swelling, particularly with the bruised color, that is a bit strange. It's not uncommon to have prominent vessels running through a reconstructed area, but usually they're on the surface rather than deep down.If I was you, I'd schedule an appointment with my reconstructive surgeon to take a look. It's probably nothing, but it wouldn't hurt to get checked.

Skin flap facial reconstruction. Is the swelling of the area where the skin flap was placed normal?

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Skin flap facial reconstruction. Is the swelling of the area where the skin flap was placed normal?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Reconstructive Surgery

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