Facelift Sores - is this normal? (photos)

Question

I had a facelift and I had large open sores in the front of my temple an behind my ear. At the time I was told it was all fine and that it happens sometimes and was given antibacterial ointment. Was this normal? Does this happen? I still have scars.

Maribel Belmontes Castillo, MD · Answer

It is one of the expected risks when performing a skin dissection, especially in patients who have a history of smoking. The wounds will close by themselves, with the help of the creams indicated by your doctor, you just have to be patient.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The sores you describe are areas of skin necrosis.  Make sure that you are not smoking, stay away from all nicotine products, and stay in close contact with your Surgeon.  This may require scar revision, but could heal acceptably.  Only time will tell.

C. Blake Perry, MD · Answer

The “open sores” are areas where there was skin necrosis. Behind the ear is the most common place for this to happen. This typically happens from too much tension on the wound or poor blood supply to the skin flap. People with poor vascular supply (ie. smokers) are at higher risk. Typically these areas will heal in just fine. It can take 6 months for those areas to look their best.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank-you for your question. Sorry for your  healing problems after surgery. These open wounds are not normal but can happen if there is a healing problem especially in smokers, diabetics and when there is excessive tension. The wounds need to be kept clean and other local measures may help in healing. Please visit your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns. With good wound care these wounds should heal with secondary incision. All the best!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Those open areas are more common behind the ears. Most of the time they heal on their own with surprisingly good result.,you may require a minor revision of the scar in front of the ear but you have to wait until it is all healed. Unfortunately this is that part that just takes time and patience.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am so very sorry about your healing issues. Yes, this can sometimes happen even in the best of surgeon's hands, especially in areas of thin tissue and tightness. However, it will heal. Should the scars be thick, your surgeon can later revise them.

Derek Fletcher, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you experienced this complication. Skin flap necrosis is a well known complication of facelift operations. The most common risk factors in no particular order are: hematoma, nicotine use, and surgical technique (thin skin flaps and/or excessive skin removal with tight closure). Unfavorable scars can be revised with a touch up procedure (typically wait 9-12 months).

Facelift Sores - is this normal? (photos)

Answers (7)

More Facelift Questions

Mid face volume loss after Hyaluronidase, 33 y/o - Would I benefit from blepharoplasty, mid or High SMAS facelift? (photos)

Are 2 rare complications at the same time acceptable following facelift?

Male facelift incision: why risk a scar in front of the ear?

Scars post facelift - can this be corrected? (photos)

Best surgery for superior jowl fat? (photos)

How long should I expect my endoscopic mid face lift results to last?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS