Had lower neck lift July 24th, severe swelling left side (Seroma). Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I had minimal swelling until my stitches were removed and with two days a large knot. It has been drained 3 times in five days 35cc,27cc and 31cc today. It normally begins to fill up within 8-12 hours to being noticeable again.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

It's difficult to determine without knowing more about the surgical #techniques applied during your procedure. I can certainly understand your concern. I always suggest to my patients, if they have any concerns during their healing to call me and discuss those #concerns. I encourage you do the same to your doctor. It is best you continue to be #evaluated in-person by your doctor to closely modify your progress and determine if additional care is necessary.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

The seroma in the face could be due to a few causes:1)  True Seroma2)  Parotid InjuryIf it is just a seroma, drainage and pressure dressing is all that is needed.  It will eventually go away.  If you had an injury to the parotid gland, the fluid could be a build up a saliva.  You doctor can send a sample of the fluid to the lab and they can analyze it to tell if it was saliva.If it is saliva, there are additional steps that you can take such as dietary changes and other medications.  They can be stubborn and can take a while to resolve.  Either way, it will eventually resolve.  I hope this helps.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

True seroma is rare after face lifts but of course not unheard of. It would be helpful to send the fluid next time for studies contains salivary fluid. If it does, then it is possible that you have a parotid gland that is leaking saliva. The treatment of that problem is very problem specific and the diagnosis is very important.

John A. Standefer Jr., MD, FACS · Answer

So sorry you are having problems with swelling after your lower face lift. Seromas are not uncommon after face lifts, especially early in the healing phase. When it starts after the sutures are removed, it may indicate something much more unusual and that is swelling from saliva escaping from the parotid gland. Either condition will heal with time. The key is keeping it drained so that the tissues can heal together. If it gets larger during or after you eat, it suggests the parotid gland (salivary gland) as the problem. A bland, low fat, soft diet can minimize parotid gland secretion. If it proves to be a simple seroma, repeated or frequent drainage to decrease the pressure buildup should do the trick. It does not appear infected from the photos, but antibiotics may decrease the chance for developing an infection until it heals. John Standefer MD

Had lower neck lift July 24th, severe swelling left side (Seroma). Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (4)

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