Behind ear sutures still oozing 5 week post op mini facelift. Is there anything I could do?

Question

It has been 5 weeks and one of my rear ears is just not healing well, one looks fine, the sutures still ooze and it is still scabbing and sensitive. Is there anything I could do to help it along, would butterfly strips help ?

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

I'm so sorry to hear that you are having an issue a month after surgery. It is not the norm to have continuous oozing this long after surgery. There could be an exposed stitch or two or the skin edges may have come apart during the first week of healing. You didn't mention if your PS used dissolvable sutures or not, for these can take some time to heal and cause irritation as well. The bottom line is that you need to visit your PS for an evaluation. If for some reason there is a delay, it is reasonable to use some antibacterial soap and warm water to clean the area, as well as applying an OTC antibiotic ointment for the time being. Good luck!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

There should not be oozing of the suture line 5 weeks after a mini facelift.  You need to be seen by your operating surgeon for an evaluation.  It could be an infection or poor healing.  Regardless, you will likely need some type of treatment.I hope this helps.

Rigo J. Mendoza, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is hard to make a good recommendation with a picture to see what is going on.  At 5 weeks, I assume you had the stitches removes and you have a small opening since you asked about steri strips.  Usually I recommend either wet to dry dressing changes or antibiotic ointment and a light dressing.  The best thing is to see your surgeon and follow their recommendation.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

Perhaps a friend can take a posterior photo of your ear area for an evaluation.It sounds like you are still open there and it is hard to judge how long closure will take without a photo.

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Hi there,I am sorry that incision is still giving you trouble. I recommend you see your surgeon. Sometimes an incisions needs a little extra attention and cleaning the incision and applying ointment followed by adehesive strips can help it heal faster. If there is a small gap, your surgeon might be able to close it in the office.Hope this helps!

Behind ear sutures still oozing 5 week post op mini facelift. Is there anything I could do?

Answers (5)

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