Infected incision behind ear? (photo)

Question

two weeks post op facelift and neck lift. Is it possible I may have a mild infection in this incision, and will washing with hibiclens and applying neosporin help? I have another appointment with my PS next week.

Greg Chernoff, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. This is not uncommon. During the early healing period you could develop an infection, or have a reaction to some of sutures used in a facelift. Keeping the area clean and an oral antibiotic can help. A topical solution like Microcyn kills bacteria better than Hibiclens. It takes a full year or more for the subtle healing to occur. Follow your surgeons regime. They want a nice result as well.
Best wishes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The incision behind the ear appears to be open and not really infected. This is something that should be brought to the attention of your plastic surgeon. He will instruct you in management until the problem resolved.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

It does not look infected, but that is difficult to judge from a photo. It may just be some inflammation in the scar as it is healing, with slow healing.  You should ask to see your  PS this week as they can help you get this healing better.

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

Infection after a facelift

It is extremely uncommon to develop an infection after a facelift.  From  
your photo it appears that you have some superficial desquamation, mild skin 
loss.  This should heal  uneventfully.  See your plastic surgeon for proper 
care.

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

It is hard to tell if that is an infection or a separation.  Either way your surgeon should be able to address that.  See if you can get in earlier.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is difficult to absolutely diagnose an infection with only a picture.  It is possible that the area behind your ear is only discolored as part of the healing process after your facelift.  Generally, an infection would be swollen, red and tender with possible discharge.  The best advice I could give you would be to contact your surgeon and be seen sooner than next week.  This way you could be evaluated to determine if there is an infection or not.

Beth Collins, MD · Answer

This area is a high tension area during a face lift and because of this the wound may have separated a bit. It is red because the inflammatory reaction that is helping to mend the tissues is working overtime. It does not look like you have any surround cellulitis or frank infection. You should see your plastic surgeon, but I would guess that he/she will tell you that it looks ok and will heal up just fine on its own. You should keep it clean with soap and water and perhaps apply bacitracin ointment. Have your surgeon make sure that you are not having any reaction to sutures.I think that this will heal up just fine. It is important that you see your surgeon a bit more frequently so that it continues to go in the right direction and the redness doesn't worsen....which would in that case certainly make you worry about infection.

Henry Mentz, MD, FACS · Answer

These small areas behind the ear rarely but can have healing issues. Often because of the tension placed behind the ear. I would consider your treatment along with an oral antibiotic. It seems contrary but the chin up position will reduce the amount of tension behind the ear. Best of luck to you.

Trang Vo-Nguyen, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about anything, it is always best to contact your surgeon or surgeon's representative (nurse, assistant) as soon as possible.  Although you may not have an infection, if you do, catching it early on is of great importance and will allow your surgeon to manage it quickly and effectively.

Mark Prysi, MD · Answer

Fortunately acelift infections usually rapidily. On review of your photo occasionally the neosporin can cause an allergic redeness that looks worse. Swithcing to dilute betdine would fix that.

Infected incision behind ear? (photo)

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