Wound behind ear one month after facelift. Incision line separated due to too much tension. (Photo)

Question

Is this common. I have an open wound one month after facelift revision.

Nathan Eberle, MD, DDS, FACS · Answer

This is a common area of wound breakdown after facelift surgery. I could be that the skin was pulled under too much tension or that the blood supply to the skin flap just was not robust enough to supply the skin, either way you have a wound and now it is time to help it heal. The good news is with conservative wound care this wound will heal over time unless you have some significant medical comorbitities complicating the situation. Good luck

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

This is a known complication of facelift surgery. This can occur even if standard surgical techniques were carried out.  Post facelift wound breakdown occurs more frequently in revision cases  or patients with diabetes or smokers.   Wound care and time will allow the  wounds to epithelialize and heal.  Ultimately a scar revision may be required.

Adam Bryce Weinfeld, MD · Answer

I have been fortunate not to have that happenunfortunately it is more common than it should bewith a high smas procedure the actions occurs at a deeper layer so less tension is at the skin levelthis makes these types of wound more rare

Karan Chopra, MD · Answer

While it's relatively uncommon, issues with wound healing in this area can occasionally arise. Factors such as diabetes or smoking can contribute to these challenges.

At this point, prioritizing diligent wound care and proper cleaning is essential. In many cases, these wounds tend to heal on their own over the course of several weeks. However, if healing doesn't progress as expected, there are alternative options to consider, such as the potential for a skin graft.

Rest assured that addressing these concerns is a normal part of the post-operative process. I'm here to provide guidance and support to ensure your optimal recovery. Should you wish, I'd be glad to discuss your specific situation during a consultation.

If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me at chopraplasticsurgery.com.

Keith Denkler, MD · Answer

The wound separation occurs from poor circulation at the ends of the flap from your revision facelift. The wounds will heal and need local wound care as recommended by your surgeon.Ultimately the scars will be revised to shrink the scars.This will take some weeks for the wounds to heal.Best wishes, Dr. Denkler

Lee A. Gibstein, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Wound separation known as dehiscence is not a rare occurrence after facelifting and the most common area is the mastoid which is the location of your problem. There are several potential reasons for this including excessive tension, smoking, infection, hematoma and several others. Good local wound care and close follow-up with your surgeon should facilitate these wounds closing over several weeks. Once closed the area then needs to heal for several months before a determination is made as to whether or not scar revision is necessary. This area if often not very visible, depending on hairstyle, and can often be left to heal without further surgery or simple minor revisionBest of LuckDrG

George Orloff, MD, FACS · Answer

Is this common?--- No.   Does this happen?.....yes.  The issue you are experiencing behind the ear is something seen in a small percentage of all patients having certain types of facelifts. When this situation happens the goal is to get the wound to heal up as quickly as possible.  There are many ways to treat this type of open wound.  It is best to talk with your  surgeon and follow their instructions.  Wounds in this area heal nicely with local care only.  Rarely, a small revision of the scar may be needed at a later date to make it look even better. The area will heal.  The key goal is to heal the area as fast as possible so you can enjoy the results.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Sure you can continue to concern yourself about the why this happened. Or try to start to heal. I recommend wound care, PRP infusions and red laser light therapy sessions.

Dominic Castellano, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Unfortunately, opening of the incision(s) can sometimes occur with revision procedures. The blood supply can be constricted due to increased tension or the viability of the scar tissue itself. The picture depicted should heal by secondary intention. Close observation and local wound care will be needed.

Barry N. Silberg, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is uncommon but not rare for this area to have some delayed wound healing.  If you are diabetic or smoke the problems are more common.  Right now you need good wound care and cleaning.  These will usually heal on there own after several weeks.  If they do not heal there are other options such as a skin graft.

Wound behind ear one month after facelift. Incision line separated due to too much tension. (Photo)

Answers (12)

More Facelift Revision Questions

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Answers (12)

More Facelift Revision Questions

How soon can a revision surgery be done after healing from a partial facelift? I had a recent endotine midface lift.

Will a second revision help my temple scars? (photo)

If a revision is done, where would the new incisions be to smooth out skin folds? (Photo)

Can neck be stretched after a too-tight facelift? It is pulling my mouth downward.

Could I have separated the platysmal muscle 5 months after facelift surgery? Do I need revision or a whole new facelift? (Photo)

Is it possible to correct ear distortion (tragus?) after facelift? (photos)

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