Skin Breaking out After Face/browlift?

Question

going into wk 5 of f/browlift..in the last week my face has started breaking out with small pimples underneath and on top of the skin...could this be an allergic reaction to what was used to numb my face? suggestions? ideas?

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

A numbing agent would not cause your skin to break out as you describe. This is especially the case 5 weeks later. I would recommend visiting a board certified dermatologist, as he/she will be able to examine your skin and make recommendations. Good luck!

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm note sure what you are putting on your skin and incisions - but I have my own patients use Bacitracin or Vasleline ointment to keep incisions/sutures moist - and some of my patients have had acne breakouts because of the occlusive nature of this type of ointment.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Though there are a number of things that could be causing what you are describing, it is difficult to say without being able to examine you in person. I would suggest scheduling an appointment with your surgeon to determine the reason for your breakouts and to make sure that you are continuing to heal properly after your facelift. Remember to be patient over the course of the next month as you continue to heal as more ideal results will begin to show better.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

In general, the side effects of a facelift and brow lift are as follow:

	A facelift may result in:

	1) Swelling
	2) Firmness
	3) Bleeding
	4) Numbness
	5) Bruising
	6) Nerve injury that is temporary but sometimes permanent

	A brow lift may result in:

	1) Swelling
	2) Bruising
	3) Numbness
	4) Firmness

	You would not likely have a reaction 5 weeks later due to a medication you received for your surgery. Not to mention, a numbing agent would not cause a breakout at any time following surgery. Have you changed your daily routine or diet at all? Have you been using any different cleansers or topical cream? I would recommend visiting a board certified dermatologist to assess your skin if the issue persists. I hope this helps, and good luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

At 5 weeks this would not be due to something used to numb your chin.   This is probably self-limited, but an exam would be appropriate.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

There are many things that could explain interruption in the skin after a facelift. Almost all of them are trivial and self-limited. Nevertheless, it will be known position to visit your surgeon and get direct advice.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

This is likely related to healing and the corresponding swelling that has now
	resolved.  I suggest you receive proper skin care, either from your surgeon or from a dermatologist.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual for patients to react to the stress of surgery by breaking out---even if the surgery wasn't on the face! If you had had an allergic reaction to the local anesthesia, this would not have developed a month after surgery. My first question would be whether you have changed your skin care regimen in any way or been exposed to any allergens in your home environment. It could also reflect hormonal changes. If the breakouts don't abate, then you should consult with your plastic surgeon and dermatologist.

Shaun Parson, MD · Answer

Thanks very much for your question. It's impossible to say for certain without seeing you are at least a photo. However, it is common to have small break outs after this type of procedure. What your experiencing does not sound like an allergic reaction.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

During the healing after facelift the skin cell turnover can speed up due to the stimulus of healing. We like to add microdermabrasion to clean up the skin during this time and reduce the breakout tendency.

Skin Breaking out After Face/browlift?

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