Head staples removed after SMAS facelift. How do I care for the incisions?

Question

I have had staples removed in my head after smass facelift it feels lumpy like they are still there, but they're not, how do I care now for the insicions, should I put anything on them or bathe them, and can I wash my hair properly?

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

It is very normal to have temporary "lumpiness" after staples are removed. After the staples are put in the skin swells around the staples and can remain swollen until the staples are removed. Once the staples are removed, the bumps should start to go down day by day. Certainly you want to keep you incision lines clean, so washing them lightly with warm water and soap and patting them dry is a good idea (washing your hair with a mild shampoo should be safe at this point). More times than not this is all you need to do, but do check in with your surgeon to see if he/she has any specific creams/ointments they prefer to use.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is always best to discuss care after cosmetic surgery with your particular surgeon, because he or she may have different preferences than other surgeons.  In general, once staples are removed after a facelift, there usually is not anything special that needs to be done to care for the area.  Usually, washing the hair and bathing would be okay.  Irregularities of the skin, such as lumps, will normally resolve over time.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

It is normal to have lumpiness along the incisions after sutures and staples are removed. The lumps from the incisions will start to decrease
gradually over the coming weeks. There are typically dissolvable sutures that are placed under the skin to help reinforce the incisions. These can take several months to dissolve. As the incisions and area surrounding them continue to heal, the tissues will soften.

Luis Pedroza, MD · Answer

This is normal since the staples bring together the 2 sides of the incision and this creates this minor lumps. Once the staples are removed, the bumps should start decreasing in size every day until you dont feel them anymore. You can apply a gentle preassure in them 2-3 times a day to help them dissapear.

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.In  general the bumps you are feeling are quite normal and will settle in time without much intervention.I usually recommend massaging the area a few times a day with gentle pressure.  You should be able to shampoo your hair normally.I would certainly discuss your concerns and all specific post op care with your plastic surgeon.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

Head staples removed after SMAS facelift. How do I care for the incisions?

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