Lumps from Blepharoplasty, Neck Lipo, and Fat Transfer?

Question

I had liposuction on my neck, lower blepharoplasty, and fat transfer to my face and under my eyes 9 days ago. I just wanted the fat under my eyes to correct hollowness, but the doctor thought I'd look great with it transferred to cheeks, lips, etc..

	I'm looking great, but during my massage, I noticed a small painful cyst right between the outer edge of my eye and temple. So then, I explored further and deeper with my hands; there are also two larger lumps (peanut sized), in the exact same spot on either side of my jawline. They don't feel cystic, they feel lumpy and flat-shaped. Also, right under my chin, I have 2 two pea-sized lumps directly across each other.

	I also discovered a large inflammed-feeling asymmetrical lump on the right side of my Adam's apple that stretches all the way up under my jawline. Of most concern to me is the small cyst near my eye, and the large sore lump on my neck.

	I'm hoping the lumps on both sides of my jaw and the two on the underside of my chin are just fat that will soften. Right now, the cyst by my eye is small. Is this from the liposuction or fat transfer? What if it fills up and becomes large?

	I love the way my face looks and hope I wont have to have excisions. I don't want scars! I wonder if he will aspirate the cyst, but couldn't it fill up again? I've seen others with similar problems on the message board, and doctors suggesting to wait it out. But I don't want to 'wait it out' for these things to become bigger. Is this normal? Any suggestions or advice before I go see the doctor tomorrow? Thanks.

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.
It sounds like what you've described could be a few things including small hematomas (collections of blood) or collections of necrosing fat.
It is unlikely that these are new cysts that have sprung up in the last nine days.
You state:
"I've seen others with similar problems on the message board, and doctors suggesting to wait it out. But I don't want to "wait it out" for these things to become bigger."
This is a common feeling - you just want things to move along and that's a completely normal thing to want.  But in these cases sometimes intervening (aspirating things that should go away on their own) can cause other problems.
Discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  I hope this helps.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The lumps that are being felt in the jawline are probably related to fat that was injected in that area and/or seromas.  Seromas are congealed accumulations of serous fluid that tend to be hard and fibrotic but eventually settle down in the healing process.  They usually take approximately two months to subside.  The cyst closest to the eye will need to be addressed and surgically removed.  The cyst itself has a capsule on the inside of it which has to be completely excised, otherwise it will reoccur.

Richard D. Gentile, MD · Answer

Lots of temporary contour issues after surgery so be patient until you heal.  Fat grafts can initially be lumpy until the inflammatory process subsides.  Frequently, after the swelling subsides the lumps may still be felt, but do not cause a lump that is visible on the face.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

NN,
Don't worry.  Your surgeon will not let you "wait it out" if the lumps are getting larger.  And, unless they are truly cysts, which is NOT at all likely, they will not grow.  Listen to your surgeon tomorrow.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

You are only 9 days after your procedure - there is no need to worry.  My advice is to leave it alone.  After any procedure and especially any injections, you are bound to get localized areas of swelling.  It takes several weeks for these to dissolve.  You just need to be patient and, in all likelihood, you will be very happy.  If you post some pictures, we may be able to give you more specific advice.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

You have been provided with excellent advice.  It really is too early to make any final predictions.  I generally advise my patients to allow about 3 weeks to assess the "take" of fat grafts.  With liposuction, the disrupted fat is not always completely evacuated by the suctions, and sometimes devascularized fat may remain behind.  I would remain in close contact with your surgeon.

Lumps from Blepharoplasty, Neck Lipo, and Fat Transfer?

Answers (13)

Answer: Facial fat transfer

Answer: Facial fat transfer

Answer: Lumps may settle down in the healing process

Answer: Lumps may settle down in the healing process

Answer: Let yourself heal

Answer: Let yourself heal

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

Lumps from Blepharoplasty, Neck Lipo, and Fat Transfer?

Answers (13)

Answer: Facial fat transfer

Answer: Facial fat transfer

Answer: Lumps may settle down in the healing process

Answer: Lumps may settle down in the healing process

Answer: Let yourself heal

Answer: Let yourself heal

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Answer: Wait it out

Answer: Wait it out

Answer: You are only 9 days after the procedure - no need to worry

Answer: You are only 9 days after the procedure - no need to worry

Answer: Irregularities after liposuction, fat transfer, and blepharoplasty

Answer: Irregularities after liposuction, fat transfer, and blepharoplasty

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