Are these lumps normal 16 days after a platysmaplasty? (Photo)

Question

Are these lumps normal 16 days after a platysmaplasty? My PS says they are, but I need reassurance. The lower swelling looks like I have a huge adams apple. The only thing the PS has told me to do is to wear my marena neck wrap at night. I was wearing it 24/7 for the first two weeks The PS did remove a tsp. of blood from the lower lump when he removed stitches at one week. At that time he said it was a hematoma, but now he says it isn't, just normal swelling.

George Bitar, MD · Answer

It appears that you have a small hematoma that has not completely resolved with aspiration.  It takes a while for the hematoma to liquefy before it can be aspirated.  Discuss this matter further with your surgeon.  Best wishes on your recovvery

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to be experiencing some #lumps following a platysmaplasty. Recovery from a neck and facelifts do vary per person and can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.  It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. The #incision scars from a necklift  tend to “mature” or soften within six to twelve months from the surgery date. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

In platysmaplasty, the muscle of the neck which invests in the skin is reapproximated at the midline. The surgery induces a scarring there. At 16 days, you are at the height of collagen deposition and scar formation. This area may feel firm but will soften with time. If the lump does not feel firm from that type of scarring, it could be residual blood left from the hematoma. If there is no resolution, you might consult with your surgeon again to be reassured.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

It appears you had a direct neck lift with scars over the anterior surface.  Bumps at the end can result from the procedure but at this point, you simply have to wait until you are healed.  Once healed and if still there, simple office revisions can be done to smooth the contours to your satisfaction.

Michael A. Carron, MD · Answer

Hi I am not sure exactly what to think just by looking at the pictures but the "adams apple" area looks like a fluid collection that would need to be drained to prevent deformity.  The area under the chin may settle out but it too may be a fluid collection. If these are un-addressed this can lead to permanent deformity.  I would have it looked at as soon as you can.

John Frodel, MD · Answer

At 2-3 weeks after surgery, lumps and bumps are very common, especially if there was a hematoma.  My experience is that this will improve greatly over time, but it will likely take a few more weeks if not months.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Over the internet we can only guess. But appears as residual tissue/skin anteriorly and small hematomae elsewhere...

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The fact that you had a hematoma explains the lower bump and this should improve with time and massage.   The lump or fold higher beneath her chin is very unusual.  If your surgeon does not detect a hematoma there then this could be excess skin that was not removed.   Please follow-up with your plastic surgeon and asked that he or she directly address these issues.

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