Hardening and lump after hematoma evacuation on cheeks following a facelift. Will this go away?

Hematoma under the facelift flap is an uncommon but well-known complication. In the majority of cases, this can be treated in the office with needle drainage.  In rare cases, the incision must be opened.  Regardless, with attentive care, the area should heal without issue.  The healing may be a little slower in this area, and occasionally there may be some subtle bumps.  These can be treated with massage or small doses of a steroid injection.  Most all, be patient and stay in touch with your surgeon!#San Francisco Facelift

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience with us. I'm sorry you developed a hematoma after your facelift. Hematomas are usually a result of bleeding in the tissues that is significant enough to cause a visible mass or lump that may or may not need to be drained depending on the size and location. Occasionally, it can be due to a bleed in the artery that may result in a more rapid, expanding hematoma and is usually a cause for more emergent treatment. Spikes in blood pressure, or vasodilation with increased activity can cause a small hole or tear that was previously sealed to open and cause the bleed. This is very uncommon for this to happen, and even less common after 10 days. Swelling after evacuation will persist longer than the unaffected side but should eventually return to a non-swollen baseline. In addition, the affected side may also appear much firmer and take longer to soften than the unaffected side.  I would follow-up closely with your surgeon who can help monitor the progress alongside with you.

Sorry to hear that you had a hematoma but it sounds like it was treated appropriately.  The hard lumps most likely represent healing tissue that will resolve over time.  Tissue massage in that area may help but frequent follow up with your PS will be you most affective treatment at this point.Earl Stephenson, Jr, MD, DDS, FACS

What you are describing is fairly common after evacuation of the hematoma. This will gradually resolve over time but you should be seeing your surgeon fairly often so he can chart the course of your convalescence.

These areas of hematomas can
take time to heal up. I find that a combination of massages, application
of heat pads, and occasional steroid injections can help this process along.

You are early in the healing phase, give it more time (say 4 to 6 months) to get an idea if the area is improving.  Usually the hematomas are taken care of by local drainage but sometimes you need to take the patient back to the operating room to correct/repair such complications.  Speak to your doctor and find out what his/her recommendations are.

Unfortunately this stuff happens. The good news is that you had it drained which was the right thing to do. Developing a hematoma can cause lots of inflammation and swelling. This is where you will have to exhibit patience. It will take many months but things will slowly settle down over time.

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear about your hematoma, but unfortunately it can happen. It takes several weeks to months for all of the swelling to resolve, so I would try and be patient. I would keep frequent follow up appointments with your plastic surgeon. Good luck.

A hematoma can be an unfortunate complication following facelift surgery. The tissue inflammation that results can create swelling and hardness that delays the healing process. While frustrating, a hematoma rarely affects the long-term result. Be patient and make sure to be compliant with your surgeon's instructions. Dr. Miller

Facelift hematomas are an uncommon complication of facelift surgery.  Although uncommon, they can occur and when treated they usually will heal without consequence.  Most hematomas can be drained by the facelift physician in the office to decompress the area. This may or may not  necessitate several drainage sessions. Once the hematoma has resolved it is possible for that area to have some hardening and/or even dimpling. Fortunately this tends to resolve completely. Massage of that area and/or steroid injections can help facilitate a quicker resolution. Discuss this with your surgeon.