My neck (under chin) is still an unsightly mess 3.5 months after surgery. When I had stitches removed at 12 days post-op and asked why my neck was so swollen, lumpy and painful, ps said it was "blood clots under the skin" (ie. hematoma) but that it didn't need treatment, other than "firm pressure massage" after 3 weeks. he said the clots would resolve/disperse on their own, and I had to be patient. He wouldn't give a timescale.Since then, with self-massage and warm compresses, the hard lumps have softened but neck is still lumpy, feels swollen (or is this the final result?) and sometimes tender. Sometimes the swelling feels firm, sometimes "flabby". I can't tell if there is some kind of fluid in there, or whether I will be left with this double-chin effect.I am not overweight, but had some loose chin under my chin and on my neck (I am 52).There is also a hard pea-sized lump in the centre of my neck, about an inch below the submental incision.The are looks worse than before surgery, and I feel like it's never going to look normal again.Can anyone give me any good news about when this might heal, or if it can be fixed if it ends up permanently disfigured?Thank you!
Answer: Facelift Hello petaross, Thank you for your question.Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.Hematoma formation can lead to extensive inflammation in the tissues which can lead to the findings you are describing. The firmness can be buildup of scar tissue and could be injected with steroids to improve and soften these areas in addition to the compress and massage you are doing.I would followup with your surgeon or obtain a second opinion.Best of luck, Dr. S
Helpful
Answer: Facelift Hello petaross, Thank you for your question.Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.Hematoma formation can lead to extensive inflammation in the tissues which can lead to the findings you are describing. The firmness can be buildup of scar tissue and could be injected with steroids to improve and soften these areas in addition to the compress and massage you are doing.I would followup with your surgeon or obtain a second opinion.Best of luck, Dr. S
Helpful
February 6, 2015
Answer: #Facelift - Lumpy after hematoma I'm very sorry for the problems you're having. In general, treatment of a hematoma depends on how extensive it is. There is almost always a little bleeding into any surgical space so that is to be anticipated. Larger hematomas should be drained; either with a return to the operating, the insertion of a drain, massage and evacuation through an incision, etc. With the benefit of hindsight it is possilble that this hematoma should have been drained. However, it it not always that clear at the time.At this point, though, there really isn't much for you to do. But the good news is that it will most liklely not stay like this. It can take a long time - months and months - for all of te swelling to go down after a procedure and event like this. The blood that is left behind can organize into scar tissue, in addition to the hoped-for process of liquefaction and subsequent absorption by the body. Massage and ultrasound can help break up the lumps, but if any areas feel soft and squishy (not a medical term) it may be appropriate to have then aspirated to see if there is any liquefied blood in there. If you have additional questions you can seek second opinions from surgeons near you to see if there are any other suggestions.Agan, I'm sorry for the problem. I hope this has helped, and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100
Helpful
February 6, 2015
Answer: #Facelift - Lumpy after hematoma I'm very sorry for the problems you're having. In general, treatment of a hematoma depends on how extensive it is. There is almost always a little bleeding into any surgical space so that is to be anticipated. Larger hematomas should be drained; either with a return to the operating, the insertion of a drain, massage and evacuation through an incision, etc. With the benefit of hindsight it is possilble that this hematoma should have been drained. However, it it not always that clear at the time.At this point, though, there really isn't much for you to do. But the good news is that it will most liklely not stay like this. It can take a long time - months and months - for all of te swelling to go down after a procedure and event like this. The blood that is left behind can organize into scar tissue, in addition to the hoped-for process of liquefaction and subsequent absorption by the body. Massage and ultrasound can help break up the lumps, but if any areas feel soft and squishy (not a medical term) it may be appropriate to have then aspirated to see if there is any liquefied blood in there. If you have additional questions you can seek second opinions from surgeons near you to see if there are any other suggestions.Agan, I'm sorry for the problem. I hope this has helped, and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100
Helpful
