Is It Normal to Have Air Trapped Beneath the Scalp After Brow Lift Surgery?

Question

I had an endoscopic brow lift with bleph (upper) on January 8, 2013 and have had air and some fluid trapped beneath my scalp along with numbness. Is this normal? If so, how long before it starts to go away? I cannot find any information on this in my research.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

This is very common. The air and fluid should resolve in a few weeks or so. The numbness may take a while longer. Nerves are very hard to predict. Some patients may have a little less feeling in an area or two, but it is usually well tolerated.

Sachin S. Parikh, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question

	It is completely normal to have some air trapping under your skin after browlifting surgery. The air should resolve a few weeks after surgery as the area decompresses over time. The numbness of your scalp is also common and this could last up to 1 year but gradual improvement will happen over that year. Good luck as you heal.

	Sachin Parikh, MD

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Air under scalp and numbness are very common after brow lift surgery.  be patient and follow up with your surgeon

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Yes, some degree of temporary numbness in the treated area is expected after any surgery, including brow lift and blepharoplasty. Some amounts of trapped fluid (seroma) will be absorbed by the body, while larger amounts may need to be drained by your plastic surgeon in the office. Most of the symptoms you describe typically improve greatly within weeks. Speak with your cosmetic surgeon regarding any concerns. Best of luck.

	 

	Dr. Chaboki

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

THese sensations are very normal this early after surgery. Air being trapped probably happens more often than we think. All those sensations will improve with time, though the numbness will take the longest.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Air and fluid sensations may be normal.  Hematoma and fluid collection would not be normal.  Swelling can be significant after browlift.  Numbness may be transient or permanent.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

all of the symptoms you describe are normal and should resolve over several weeks  except numbness which can last several months

Matheson A. Harris, MD · Answer

In the first few days after surgery, it isn't unusual to have some air under the scalp. This usually goes away by a week. The blood under the scalp, depending on how much accumulated, can last longer. Your surgeon can evaluate you to determine if your healing isn't on track.

Michael Sundine, MD, FACS · Answer

It would be completely expected to have air under your scalp following a brow lift procedure.  Your body should reabsorb the air in a very short period of time.

Lynn Chiu-Collins, MD · Answer

Swelling, bruising, and a little air are all normal to experience after browlift and resolve over the first couple weeks. Scalp numbness is also normal, but may take several months to improve. You should notify your surgeon of any excess swelling or fluid in the postoperative period as this may need intervention, and/or close monitoring.

Is It Normal to Have Air Trapped Beneath the Scalp After Brow Lift Surgery?

Answers (12)

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