Facelift 1 month ago. Chin incision doing well. Big hard crusty leaky scabs formed behind ears. Why did this happen? (Photo)

Question

They are down in size but have left a big ugly scar. I'm worried I can't ever wear my hear up and going to Europe in July. They are about the size between a quarter and a dime now, down from a half-dollar but still sore sometimes leaky. Fluid is clear with a little blood. What treatment would you ask me to do if I was your patient? Vaseline? Dry them out? Cover them? Take them off? Different topical cream? Why did this happen?

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

You have had some skin die off behind the ears.  This can occur due to the tension on the wound - the skin is too stretched - and the blood flow is not adequate to keep it all alive.  The skin will turn dark and then fall off leaving you with a scab.  The scab will often start out dark, and then become yellow and moist as it heals.  You should keep it moist with antibiotic ointment.  It will heal, and often you can't see any residual scar.  If you do get scarring there are lasers that can be  used to improve the scars.

Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

is likely to have caused this. The scab is at the margin of the incision and likely to represent necrosis of the flap periphery. Keep it clean and use bactoban, bacitracin or fucidin ointment. It will heal and may not be noticable. It is possible however that the scar may need resurfacing should it be problematic. This is a simple local anaesthetic procedure. Your PS will have a preferred laser. I would use fractional CO2.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The area behind the ear of the facelift is commonly understood tension and has relatively poor blood supply. Difficulty healing is not uncommon. Fortunately most the time the results are quite good with just good care of the one. I only assist the patient's keep the skin clean and covered with a good emollient.

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

Thank you for your picture.  It appears that you have had some skin loss.  This is a result of too much tension in that area.  The wound needs to be cleaned and it can be treated a variety of ways to allow it to heal.  Your operating plastic surgery will guide you concerning that.Best wishesEarl Stephenson,Jr, MD, DDS,FACS

Adam David Lowenstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your scabs after your face lift.  As difficult as it may be to realize, I'll bet that your scabs continue to shrink and will likely leave minimal scarring in the end.  Try not to worry, allow your body to continue to heal, and I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Facelift 1 month ago. Chin incision doing well. Big hard crusty leaky scabs formed behind ears. Why did this happen? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Wounds after Facelift

Answer: Wounds after Facelift

Answer: Scabs behind the ears

Answer: Scabs behind the ears

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Facelift 1 month ago. Chin incision doing well. Big hard crusty leaky scabs formed behind ears. Why did this happen? (Photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Wounds after Facelift

Answer: Wounds after Facelift

Answer: Scabs behind the ears

Answer: Scabs behind the ears

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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.