Swelling and Bruising After Facial Fat Transfer / Hematoma

Question

5 weeks ago I had a fat transfer to the right side of my face to conceal and indentation caused by a growth (nf1), however there was another growth that was cut into and I ended up with a large hematoma in addition to the fat that was transfereed. The area is still very numb and swollen, how long will it be before the swelling and brusing go and is there anything I can take to improve the situation?

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Swelling can still occur five weeks after fat injections but possibly there is a hematoma, or collection of blood underneath the skin. The numbness is not easy to explain but sometimes is temporarily noted for a while after a procedure. See your doctor for an examination and evaluation of treatment.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

Having bruising and significant swelling 5 weeks after fat injections is uncommon but not unheard of. There are so many factors that play a role, both from the procedure's side (how was it performed?) and from the patient's side (how do you heal afterwards).

	It sounds like that you had a complicated course of recovery. I would recommend professional lymphatic drainage in addition to laser or IPL treatments to push along your recovery. Disuss this with your surgeon!

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Swelling and bruising after fat transfer can occur. The only thing to help this is ultrasound treatments by your surgeon.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Bleeding is a complication which can change everything for a fat transfer. The blood and bruising in the area often results in inflammation which reduces the chance of the fat to stay and 'take'. The still area can be massaged, and ultrasound can help break up the stiffness.

	Best of luck,

	peterejohnsonmd

Mitchell F. Grasseschi, MD · Answer

By definition, complications are never normal.  Swelling and bruising occurs with all operations; hematomas are complications.

Swelling and Bruising After Facial Fat Transfer / Hematoma

Answers (5)