Fluid Collecting After Neck Lift - Any Ideas?

Given, that you had already surgery for an "overactive" salivary gland, it is likely that the fluid represents leakage from one of your salivary glands. This can be verified by a simple laboratory test of the fluid your surgeon removes. In facelift surgery, the most likely gland is your parotid which sits in fron and below your ears. Botox injections, drainage and patience are possible treatment options. This is a very rare but well known complication that most experienced facelift surgeons have seen once or twice in their career. Have an open discussion with your surgeon about his plan and whether he feels comfortable treating you.

First, diagnostic sampling and aspiration of the fluid collection must be performed.  If the amylase level is high, indicating a salivary leak, then this should be managed surgically.  If the amylase is normal, then this is likely a seroma, which can be treated with frequent aspiration.  However, at 9 weeks out, there is likely a capsule that has formed that would benefit from surgical excision.

Persistent clear fluid collections after salivary gland removal would be concern for a salivary gland injury.  Alternatively, this could represent a seroma.  The former may be treated without surgery, the latter may require surgery this far out as the cavity may become epithelialized.  Make sure you are seeing a board certified plastic surgeon.

Based on what information has been provided, the fluid should be tested for amylase to diagnose a salivary gland injury. If so, pressure dressings and scopolamine patches can be used. Finally bottom is a treatment option if this fails.

It sounds as though you have a salivary gland injury.   I would recommend that you discuss treatment options with your surgeon.  As long as you are producing saliva, this problem can continue.     The sooner it is identified and treated, the less longterm sequelae to deal with.

I wish you a safe and healthy recovery

Your problem is an unusual one; it deserves attention.

My first three thoughts are:

Submandibular salivary gland injury: diagnosed with amylase test, treated with Botox

Recurrent seroma: treated with free drainage +/- pressure

And, lastly (and least likely) some kind of zebra: chyle duct injury, retained foreign body.

If your primary surgeon is flummoxed, it may be time to seek the opinion of a seasoned facial plastic surgery specialist.

If you had salivary gland surgeyr recently, it may very well be a salivary gland leak which may need to be addressed surgically. Speak with your surgeon.

It sound like a salivary leak. Your surgeon can send the fluid to the lab to check an amylase level. Placing a small drain may help also. It may be reasonable to ask your surgeon to suggest someone for a second opinion.

Wow what a history of events! No way any internet expert doctor can advise you. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE. From MIAMI Dr. Darryl J. Blinski

It's impossible to know exactly what's going on without having a full understanding of the details of your surgery Nd complications. I agree your post op course is unusual.

The only thing I might come up with as a possiblity - and your surgeon may have already thought of this -is a salivary leak. You said you had surgery on your salivary glands for excess fluid. I would test the fluid for amylase, a salivary enzyme to see if this is the cause if your problem.