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Can I have surgery to release skin adhesion to underlying structure of the face after facelift? (Photo)

2 .5 months post op. have internal scars (hematoma on my cheeks which was milked 14 times).now i have hard and soft lumps . the skin on my whole cheek area seems to be stuck to the underlying structures. looks lumpy if i smile.A dr told me at the 6 month mark may have to open flap and separate the skin mechanically. What is this surgery called? Could it stay forever attached to the underlying tissue (i do massage, ultrasound and kenalog)? also the soft lumps are not diminishing. could be fat?

Doctor Answers 17

April 7th, 2014

Skin adhesions after a facelift

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It is possible to have some skin irregularities after a facelift.  Most of these lumps and skin lines disappear without a trace within 6 month of the procedure.  On those extremely rare occasions when some irregularities persist, fat grafting might be a good alternative to additional surgery.  Ask you surgeon about his opinion on fat grafting at your 6 month follow up visit.

Best of luck!

Learn more: http://www.bestcosmeticsurgeryny.com/photo-gallery/facial-rejuvenation/

Konstantin Vasyukevich, MD
April 7th, 2014

Lumps After Facelift #facelift

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I agree it is way too early. I would wait a minimum of 6 months. Usually these areas will resolve themselves with time and patience. This does happen and I have seen it before. It is very hard to be patient especially when it is your face. What your surgeon means is that later, if need be he is talking about elevating the skin and trying to re-drape it more smoothly if needed.
Richard J. Brown, MD
April 21st, 2014

Lumps after facelift hematoma usually resolve with time

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It sounds as though you are taking appropriate measures with massage, heat and ultrasound.  Next

Most irregularities beneath the skin caused by hematoma will resolve but this can often take 6 months.

Personally I would wait a year before considering any  surgical intervention if the lumps last that long.

I agree that steroid injections can cause atrophy and should be used judiciously.

Learn more: http://www.bostonplasticsurgeryspecialists.com/services/face/facelift/

Brooke R. Seckel, MD, FACS
April 3rd, 2014

Tincture of time

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At 2.5 months out, it is way too early. I agree as below to give it a god 6 months or longer before considering having anything done.
Steven Wallach, MD
April 3rd, 2014

Lump after facelift

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You are still very early in the healing phase. The hematoma will slow things down on that side, and it would not be unusual to have some irregular areas.  With time these will improve.  Heat and massage are also helpful.  If this doesn't help,  you could try some ultrasound. I would wait at least 6 months before trying any surgical  intervention, and from the way you look now, doubt you will need it.
John J. Martin, Jr., MD

John J. Martin, Jr., MD
Coral Gables Oculoplastic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 29 reviews

April 3rd, 2014

Can I have surgery to release skin adhesion to underlying structure of the face after facelift?

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Sometimes, the hardest thing a person can do is wait!  But, honestly, this may heal without noticeable lumps.  I don't know what type of facelift you had (mini vs more extensive), so the best advice to follow at this point, is your surgeon.  You are only 2.5 months post-op and the body has a wonderful ability to heal.

Learn more: http://www.beverlyhills-plasticsurgery.com/

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
April 3rd, 2014

Be patient

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I'm sorry to hear your surgery was complicated by a hematoma. Everything you describe are possible solutions, but I would suggest waiting up to a year if you can. It takes a long time for everything to heal and settle down. You may still get some improvement as the healing process evolves, scar tissue softens, muscles and nerves start working again, fat and old hematoma absorb, swelling goes away...
You wouldn't want to fix something now that was going to get better on its own anyway.
Also, there is no sure fire to fix your problem now, so why risk it.
Finally, anything that can be done will technically be easier on a surgeon the further out you are from the original surgery giving him/her a better chance at fixing things as best possible.

Armin Moshyedi, MD
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon

April 3rd, 2014

Facelift hematoma

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Another way to have managed your result would have been to lift up the flap early, remove all blood and hope for smoother healing. This is a judgement call by the surgeon. I have treated a person like you whose doctor did the same as yours. She had scar tissues long term in the cheeks and it looked similar to what you look like now. I was able to lift her cheeks back up and smooth them out some but this was after her doctor tried three times surgically himself. I'd seek some local second opinions.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
April 4th, 2015

Lumps after a facelift

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I am sorry you had a hematoma. This is a common complication. I would give the area time to heal and be very careful with steroid injections.  The area of the fullness could also have a prominent buccal fat pad that may be contributing to what you see. Try and be patient and your PS will take you through the process. Good luck

Learn more: https://www.dr-delgado.com/

Miguel Delgado, MD

Miguel Delgado, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 78 reviews

December 15th, 2014

A hematoma may require a face lift revision

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Thank you for your question about your face lift.

I am so sorry you had a hematoma after your face lift.
  1. It will take six months for the swelling to subside.
  2. After a hematoma, the swelling can persist indefinitely.
  3. The swelling causes the lumpiness.
  4. Your surgeon's advice sounds reasonable - you may need a revision to correct the internal scarring.
  5. Your massage and ultrasound sound a good plan for now but are unlikely to resolve things without surgery - but let's hope I'm wrong.
This surgery is generally called a face lift revision, or a redraping of the skin or a secondary face lift.


Always see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Hope you find this information helpful. Best wishes.
Elizabeth Morgan, MD, PhD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.