5 weeks post neck/facelift. I still have a bruise and hard lump/swelling behind my chin. What can be done to fix this? (Photo)

From the photograph alone it looks as though you had a small hematoma under the chin that is now organized. This will improve with time. Remain patient.

Your 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). When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during surgery, small sensory #nerves are cut. Varying degrees of numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. This typically recovers fully in the months after surgery. 

As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek after a facelift. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. 

Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.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. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

You likely have a hematoma in the area.  I would recommend draining it in the office. Draining it will resolve this issue promptly.  You also appear to have a hematoma near your earlobe that may benefit from drainage as well.  

Fullness behind the chin after a facelift is probably a combination of a little blood and swelling fluid ie. Hematoma and edema. Additionally the upper neck muscles are worked on in this same area during the necklift and this can cause swelling in this area. All of these conditions take many months to heal and become smoother, flatter. Your surgeon will advise you on a treatment protocol but time is key.

Dear CMK56,I suggest contacting your board certified facial plastic surgeon who performed your procedure to receive an in-person consultation regarding your post-op recover concerns. Individuals
will need to sleep with their head elevated for two weeks after the
procedure.It is also vital to avoid any
heavy lifting or straining for the first two to three weeks following surgery.One should also minimize movement of the head
and neck for at least one week following surgery to avoid stretching the newly
positioned tissues.Sincerely,Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS

Thank you for your pictures.  This looks like it might have been a small hematoma.  This area most likely is firm now and only time/healing will resolve this.  Close follow up with your plastic surgeon is recommended.

Time.  This is what you need for the skin and swelling to settle down.  Doing too much too soon could worsen the results.

It appears you may have had a small hematoma which is now resolving.Steroid injections can be helpful, but take time to see the full effect- two to three weeks.Another option is 5-FU injections.These combined with massage and time will help improve this area.Be patient and continue close follow up with your plastic surgeon- things will improve with time!

It looks like you may have had a hematoma here.  If that was the case, it can get hard and swollen post-op. It will eventually resolve with some massage, heat, and time.  Ultrasound can also help.  If you had a platysmaplasty done, you may also get some firm areas under the chin.  Also will soften with time.   

It appears that you have a small hematoma under your chin.  I would recommend massaging the area aggressively 2-3 time a day.  Overtime, the area should soften and the discoloration should fade back to normal.  Be patient, it may take a few more weeks.  I hope this helps.