I had a mini facelift and upper/lower blepharoplasty. I have large bumps below cheekbone and a long line. What is this? (Photos)

Question

The day of the facelift I developed a hematoma. The facelift was reopened to relieve the hematoma and then sewn up a 2nd time. 3 weeks post op, the good side looks fantastic! The hematoma side has 2 large bumps and a long "string" like bump below. These exist below the cheekbone and look awful. It looks worse than photo. Thought it was a seroma but via needle aspiration little if any fluid emerged. Will these go away? When? No changes in 5 days. Very concerned. Also, vision is now very blurred.

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

These bumps could be due to remnants of clots and blood from a hematoma. The straight line could be due to where a drain was removed. Alternatively this could be due to contour irregularities caused by damage to the skin where the surgeon might have quarterized operation to stop any bleeding. If this is the case it might have caused inflammation due to thermal injury. You should speak to your Doctor, as if it is the latter it might require further treatment.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

When the skin is separated from the underlying tissues during surgery, small sensory #nerves are cut. Varying degrees of numbness will be present after surgery and will improve gradually as the nerves reconnect to the skin. This process can take from 2-6 months for face, neck and cheeks, and to 9-12 months for the forehead and scalp. Muscle weakness may also be present around the mouth especially if liposuction is used. This typically recovers fully in the months after surgery. 
As the nerves regenerate, the itching, burning, tingling and shooting #sensations will occur. Ice, moisturizers and gentle #massaging are helpful during this phase of the #healing process. Frequently there is a tight feeling in the neck, jawline and cheek after a facelift. During surgery, not only the skin but the underlying muscles are tightened to create a better and longer lasting result. Additionally, the #swelling will move downward in the first week and the neck will feel even tighter. Do not be alarmed: the sensation will decrease during the first month. Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local massage will speed resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely. 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.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The risk of hematoma after facelift is always present.  Unfortunately it delays the healing process.  However, the eventual result is still good.  Hang in there.  You need to perform frequent massage and warm compresses.  This will allow the lymphatic fluid to get out faster.  Also be careful with sun exposure as any pigment underneath the skin can become very dark over time.RegardsDr. J

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. Unfortunately without touching your tissues it is difficult to offer advice and I would see your surgeon for an in-person examination and discussion.  This may simply be swelling that resolves given additional time but more importantly your vision problems need to be evaluated.  Hang in there!

Robert Brueck, MD · Answer

This will go down.I would consider heat and massage and it is all due to the hematoma so patience is important.

I had a mini facelift and upper/lower blepharoplasty. I have large bumps below cheekbone and a long line. What is this? (Photos)

Answers (5)

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