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Lumpy tender swollen neck 3.5 months after Facelift and Neck Lift and Platysmaplasty (with hematoma)

petaross
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!

Answers (5)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
Brock Ridenour, MD profile photo
Dr. Brock Ridenour, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 | 325 Reviews
Answer
3 people found this helpful
John J. Martin, Jr., MD profile photo
Dr. John J. Martin, Jr., MD
Oculoplastic Surgeon, Board Certified in Ophthalmology
5.0 | 53 Reviews
Answer
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD profile photo
Dr. Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4.5 | 79 Reviews
Answer
Dr. Scott Shadfar, MD
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
Answer
Dr. Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired)
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Answer

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