Lower facelift 5/26. Mild hematoma under left cheek. PS says it will reabsorb without treatment. How can I speed that up?(photo)

Delayed hematomas of the facelift respond very well to warm compresses and aggressive massage.  It is also important to protect the skin from sun exposure as a overlying bruising can turn into a darker color or red color for a very long time.When massaging the area use a moisturizer that you have used in the past or try coca buter with vitamin E and massage for at least 10 minutes to 15 minutes every day.RegardsDr. J

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us. I'm sorry you developed a hematoma after your facelift. Hematomas are usually a result of bleeding in the tissues that is significant enough to cause a visible mass or lump that may or may not need to be drained depending on the size and location. Occasionally, it can be due to a bleed in the artery that may result in a more rapid, expanding hematoma and is usually a cause for more emergent treatment. Spikes in blood pressure, or vasodilation with increased activity can cause a small hole or tear that was previously sealed to open and cause the bleed. This is very uncommon for this to happen.  Your surgeon may decide to evacuate or observe if the hematoma is small and the overlying tissues not compromised. Swelling will persist longer than the unaffected side but should eventually return to a non-swollen baseline. Lymphatic massage may help accelerate the pace of resolution.  I would follow-up closely with your surgeon who can help monitor the progress alongside with you.

Great questions. A post-facelift hematoma will take time to
heal, but can be sped up with a facial massage, concentrating on the area as well
as light exercise to increase blood flow to the area. Warm compresses are
great, along with arnica gel. I prefer the gel over the tablets as it absorbs
faster and targets the area. While putting on high-quality makeup will not slow
the recovery, it is good to be aware of the ingredients that are used in your
makeup and your sun protection creams.

Any collection of blood under the skin following facelift surgery can cause bruising or discoloration. The more blood that collects, the longer it takes to resolve. Warm compresses and gentle massage will increase the blood supply to  the area and decrease the time that it takes to resolve. Eating pineapple which has Bromelain  as you mentioned is reported to break down hematomas and bruising faster. Arnica tablets and Arnica gels also may help. Vinegar soaked compresses may also lessen the time for the bruises to resolve.Applying makeup should have no effect one way or the other. Exercise should speed the recovery at this point. Early after the surgery it can cause more bleeding and swelling, but at 3 weeks, exercise is beneficial due to increased circulation.John Standefer MD

Applying warm compresses can help speed reabsorption.    I would avoid heavy lifting and intense exercise until you are fully healed.  Continue with a healthy diet and limit alcohol unless your surgeon says otherwise.  Follow up with your surgeon as he recommends for a complete recovery.