Pain/discomfort at left temple 15 days after facelift, bump was there a few days ago but hurts worse today?

Question

I have a largish bump on my left temple, I first noticed at about day 10 or 11. I did see my surgeon yesterday and he said it would just take some time, that it is swelling because of the "nasty things he did" around that area. I am not upset with him, I like him very well and trust him...evidently not enough to not get a second opinion here:-) This is by far the scariest thing I have EVER done! I have a much smaller bump on the right side. Both sides get the feeling of worms crawling around.

R. Brannon Claytor, MD, FACS · Answer

Trust is something that is earned. Clearly you trusted him enough to perform your surgery and it sounds like the procedure went well. Having faith in the whole process requires give and take. Meaning, if you are concerned, then continue to follow up with him. Visits to the office multiple times to achieve that full evaluation may be necessary. Keep a clear record of how things are changing as it may be something that is a change in your daily routine or return to vigorous activity earlier than recommended. Keep following up with the your surgeon and remember that post operative recovery has some changes in sensation which may feel different.

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

A very common maneuver in the face lift is the use of a suture based in the temple to lift the sagging cheek tissues. This is generally safe and problem free. It is possible to irritate the adjacent structures such as sensory nerves.  This should improve with time. If this doesn't resolve over the next month, you may want to have the suture removed. It is common for the face to feel tight, and stinging sensations in the face. Be patient with your healing progress, you will likely be just fine. Take care!
Matthew C. Camp M.D.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

If you have pain and a bump up in the temple, it could be from the temporal portion of a browlift that was performed with the facelift. A fixation suture is often placed in that area that can cause a little bump and some discomfort. Most use a dissolvable suture there so your symptoms should resolve over the next several weeks. Keep in close contact with your surgeon. If your symptoms worsen, contact them.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

The lumpiness may well be related to the stitching used to elevate the face. Often there are irregularities after facelifting and these usually settle. Keep to your PS postop advice regarding massage and scar management.

William H. Jervis, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

without photos difficult to answer.  nonetheless the most likely culprit is a collection of blood which may have some extra bruising along with the pain and swelling.  if it is a minihematoma it can frequently be " rolled" out sometimes removing a stitch or two .  it is unlikely to be an infection but that is still a possibility.  did your surgeon say what he/she thought it was ?

Pain/discomfort at left temple 15 days after facelift, bump was there a few days ago but hurts worse today?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lumpiness

Answer: Lumpiness

Answer: Facelift bumps

Answer: Facelift bumps

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Pain/discomfort at left temple 15 days after facelift, bump was there a few days ago but hurts worse today?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lumpiness

Answer: Lumpiness

Answer: Facelift bumps

Answer: Facelift bumps

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.