Follow-up: After hematoma and 5 weeks post-op, bumps and long line remain below cheek with no change! Will it go away? (Photos)

It is not uncommon to be experiencing some #lumps following a neck lift. 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.

Do not WORRY! It will go away.  This kind of bums sometimes appear after a facelift (even without hematoma) and are related to localized post surgical edema.  The bums and the line will be softening and going away with time.  Sometimes doctors recommend ultrasound treatments or a small injection of Kenalog to make the area heal faster.  Ask your surgeon for his recommendations.Best wishes!Dr. Konstantin

Thank you for the question. These areas of irregularity  are likely related to
swelling/edema and usually resolve as the healing process continues. However, they may become indurated and form bands of scar tissue under the skin. Your surgeon
may initiate lymphatic massage and sometimes steroid injection to soften them
up. Specific management plan is made by your surgeon on a case by case
basis.  It's important that you see your surgeon frequently. Best!
Pej Aflaki, M.D.
Johns Hopkins-trained plastic surgeon

Your area of concern will improve over time. I personally like massage and recommend it frequently. At two months I would consider a dilute steroid injection. This will continue to improve and will hopefully completely resolve over time. Keep in close contact with your surgeon. I would typically see you every 2-4 weeks, even more frequently than that if you were concerned (which you are).Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation Specialist

Many thanks for posting your photos and experience - sorry to hear that you are going through such challenging timesUnfortunately, time is the key here - and this is something you cannot hurry. Personally I tend to recommend massage, but it is difficult to give you any personal advice having not seen you in person. I would recommend continuing to regularly see your plastic surgeon for their advice and input.Good luck

After a hematoma, this type of result can be seen. It's best to massage and give it time. Some patients research online and ask for steroid injections...I would advise against it. It's best to give it at least 6 months before considering any revision surgery.

Don't take advice from "online" doctors.  They are not your surgeon.  Please only take advice from qualified surgeons who have actually personally examined you.  Hematomas happen despite the best efforts of surgeon.  They are a bummer because the profoundly slow healing.  Do not harm yourself by following bad advice.  What you need here is patience.  This takes time to recover from.  I agree that this can take months to get better.

Hello and thanks for the question. From the photos it does seem that some scarring has occurred in the deeper soft tissues which has caused the skin rimpling effect.  I think the best course of action is to wait and continue to massage the area. You can also use some warm compresses or heating pad over the area 2-3 times a day. It should improve but it will take several months. 

Hi-These irregularities are not uncommon after facelift surgery and do generally go away but do take time. It is best to follow your plastic surgeons advice and follow up as recommended. Swelling in the soft tissue of the face can last for at least 6 months or longer so just try and be as patient as you can as it can be difficult. Good Luck!

Hello and thank you for your question. Without knowing exactly what was done during your surgeries I can not give specific advice to you. What I can say is that irregularities such as yours do sometimes occur after face lifting, especially when there is a hematoma or complication, and often they do settle out with time. But it may take months. Your best bet is really to follow closely with your surgeon or anyone who directly examines you and knows your entire surgical history pertaining to this matter. Best of luck to you.