Facelift Sores - is this normal? (photos)

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

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.