Lymph node after deep plane facelift

Question

I had deep plane facelift in January and swelling is getting worse instead of better, specially in my right neck. I always had swelling since day 1st in my right and some pain at night that supposed to be normal. My general doctor sent me an ultrasound to check my neck glands and the results indicates: at level 2 in the right neck there is a prominent lymph node measuring 2.8*0.7*1.6cm. This retain fatty hilum. There is not cortical thickening. What do you think about it ?

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

I am not sure of the etiology of your enlarged lymph nodes.  However, a 2.8 cm lymph node requires investigation.  I recommend that you see an Otolaryngologist specializing in Head and Neck Surgery in your area.  This is not likely caused by your facelift.

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

It is expected to have swelling after a facelift. Lymph nodes can become enlarged from the trauma or from an infection or a variety of other reasons. If the area is getting more painful I would highly recommend to follow-up in person with your surgeon for evaluation.

Daniel A. Barker, MD · Answer

There are 2 options here: one is that the lymph node is fairly enlarged but is reactive or the lymph node is possibly cancerous. I'd be fairly quick to get an FNA of the lymph node which can rule out any cancers. Given the fatty hilum and no cortical thickening its likely reactive but not something you want to miss if there is a chance of having something worse. Best of luck.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

As always this kind of problem needs to be primarily addressed with your surgeon. Further plan of treatment should depend of his/her findings. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest doing a needle biopsy of the node just to make sure it is benign. At 6 months, this may not be related to your lift.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question to real self. But why haven’t you contacted your operative surgeon to be seen and examined and let that surgeon make the decision since he did the surgery? Or you need to see a second opinion consultation, which can be done virtually

Lymph node after deep plane facelift

Answers (6)