Would a Handheld Ultrasound Unit Aid in the Healing After a Face Neck Lift? (photo)

Question

I just had a face / neck lift 1 month ago. I have a hematoma in my neck and lumps, bumps, and raised rake marks on both sides of my face and neck. I'm just wondering if this is normal and if it would benifit me to buy a handheld ultasound massage unit for gentle massage to promote faster healing. Thank you

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

Based on the picture provided, you have residual ecchymosis (bruising). The first thing I would suggest is that you make sure you aren't taking any aspirin, NSAIDS, vitamin E, fish oil, any exotic supplements, or drinking green tea which can all have some effect on the duration of resolution of this bruise. Can Ultrasound make the healing faster? Not that I am aware of, but it won't be harmful.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Your irregularities are caused by scaring underneath your skin. This scarring will eventually soften and flatten over time. I don’t believe the addition of a possibly expensive home ultrasound machine would help you. Time will make things better and some gentle massaging by yourself with also help to soften and flatten the scars, but patience is important.

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank you for submitting your question. Swelling,lumps and bump can be common after a face lift. It seems that your swelling was caused by a hematoma. At 1  month post op, Warm compresses, massage and external ultrasound by a physician will help it resolve faster. I would not recommend that you use a handheld ultrasound massage unit. Continue close follow up with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best Wishe

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Facelift surgery is very vascular and blood collections are very common.  However, it will resolve on its own. I would not start to manipulated the tissue. Your PS will guild you through the process.

Kurtis Martin, MD · Answer

The most important therapy you need would be steroid injections. Massage, U/S, and heat may also help. This will take 4-6  months to totally heal.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not recommend a hand held ultrasound device for use after a facelift.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

One can enhance healing after a facelift by doing regular facial massage and ultrasound therapy. Also, eating a high protein diet with low sodium intake and, of course, tincture of time will allow for maximum wound healing.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Ultrasound can be used to help speed up the healing process, but I would not rely on it for a significant increase. It may also be used to relieve pain.  Another remedy that I use is  injecting the area with 5-Fluorouracil.  This can help break down and prevent the formation of the lumps and bumps.  This is an off-label use of the medication, so I would ensure your doctor is comfortable with using this medication. I would recommend speaking with your surgeon right away regarding his/her recommendations, as they know the details of your surgery.  Depending on the severity of the hematoma, there may be a need to address it immediately, as it is possible that it may compromise your healing.  In-office treatments of a hematoma may include:

	1) Drainage
	2) Topical antibiotic

	Thanks, and good luck!

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

It is probably Quite safe to apply ultrasound energy to your face but its unlikely to make a significant difference. Massage the area gently and be patient. These irregularities will resolve without significant medical intervention.

Philip Young, MD · Answer

Some surgeons really believe in ultrasound speeding up the healing. I haven't seen many results or scientific papers that show that ultrasound really makes a difference in healing. The irregularities I see can be decreased with some conservative steroid injections and some directed pressure dressings.

Would a Handheld Ultrasound Unit Aid in the Healing After a Face Neck Lift? (photo)

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