6 weeks post Facelift: Black mark appeared under the skin in my temple wound, is this spitting stitches? (photo)

Question

Hi there. I am 6 weeks post op and healing well but just noticed today a small black looking area under the skin in my temple wound. It wasn't there before. Is this one of those spitting stitches or something else and should I get it seen to or just leave it? Thanks

Trevor M. Born, MD · Answer

Dear Nige54Thank you for your question and photo!  Congrats on your surgery.  Please review with your surgeon.  The area looks ok in general.  The spot could be a suture, or hair follicle.With Warm RegardsTrevor M Born MD

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Throughout the #facelift #healing process you should be seen frequently by your doctor and one of their registered nurses to ensure you are following instructions properly and your recovery is going well. The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply.The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen.However, in this particular situation, it may be best to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss this concern.

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

I can't say with any certainty what this is just from a photograph. It could be a spitting stitch.  I would recommend that you contact your surgeon and let them know about this. More than likely, it will go away with a little antibiotic ointment.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

This looks like a suture starting to come out through the skin.  THis can create a little bleeding which is why you have a scab.  See you doctor and they should be able to pull it out.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

This black mark is likely to be an extruding permanent suture or a small area of blood surrounding an entrapped hair follicle.  This is an issue that your Surgeon can quite easily address in the office.

6 weeks post Facelift: Black mark appeared under the skin in my temple wound, is this spitting stitches? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Post facelift

Answer: Post facelift

Answer: Spitting Suture

Answer: Spitting Suture

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6 weeks post Facelift: Black mark appeared under the skin in my temple wound, is this spitting stitches? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Post facelift

Answer: Post facelift

Answer: Spitting Suture

Answer: Spitting Suture

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

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