Will bumps go away after face lift surgery? (Photo)

Question

Had lower facelift & neck lift surgery on Oct. 19 by board certified plastic surgeon. Right side of face is sore & bumpy- looks deformed. Surgeon has assured me the bumps will go away with aggressive massage but I see no improvement in two months since surgery. He said it was stitching hung up. Bumps are ugly & sore.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You may need to have these removed directly by reelevating the skin flap.  It appears they could be deep sutures that formed granulomas.  Some surgeons may recommend steroid injections but this may affect the skin color, and thickness and lead to more problems.

Marc DuPéré, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture.Was there any fat grafting performed?  I am asking as small lumps can occur initially after fat grafting to face.Small lumps can also occur without fat grafting.  In those situation, we do mild lymphatic massage of the face in my clinics.Time will also usually smooth those up.It is always a good idea to visit your plastic surgeon for reassurance.Best regards.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question, and the photo.  What you are describing is a usual part of the process.  It will take some time, (months), for things to finally settle in.  Please follow your board certified plastic surgeon post operative care plan.  Please let them know your concerns.

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Lumps and bumps in the skin after surgery are usually temporary.  Very often the best treatment is time.  Massage can help speed up the process.  It would be helpful to know what kind of a facelift it was and the type of sutures that were used. I would strongly suggest discussing this as well as the soreness with your surgeon to get a better understanding as to your healing and to make sure that you are not dealing with an infection. Very often, as the sensation to the skin starts to return (usually around 2-3 months post), patients describe feelings such as pins and needle, crawling, itching, burning, "needle pokes"/zingers, soreness to touch, sensitivity to cold air or wind, and/or tenderness. An in person examination is the best way to determine if this is a delayed normal helping process for you.

Andres Bustillo, MD, FACS · Answer

These bumps should go away with massaging. As long as they continue to improve with time, you should not worry.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

I can see that you are concerned with the irregularities on your face. It would beimportant to follow with your primary surgeon since he would best know what wasdone during surgery.  You need to give it more time to heal and maintain close follow up with your surgeon.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Often these lumps will resolve with massage. There are also non surgical treatments that can help and you should keep in touch with your PS. I have seen lumps take 3-6 months to resolve. It depends a little on the technique used and whether fat transfer / fillers have been used.

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

The lumps and bumps we see after facial surgery can be a normal part of healing.  Follow you Dr's advice regarding vigorous massage and you should see improvement with time.  Thank you for your question and best of luck to you!

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

This seams unusual. Please consider more discussion with your physician since he knows what suture or procedure was done. If you are still concern and do not get the answers that you think you should get, then consider a second opinion.Hope this helps,Dr. Gus DiazNatural Beauty Plastic Surgery

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

Continue the massage as instructed by your surgeon.  The bumps should improve over time.  Best to you!

Will bumps go away after face lift surgery? (Photo)

Answers (11)

More Lower Facelift Questions

I'm 2 weeks post neck and lower face lift. When can I get my hair colored?

6 weeks post op, I am still swollen. Any suggestions? (photos)

I look stiff and unnatural when I try to smile. I'm15 days post-op. Will this resolve in time?

My entire lower face dropped down. Any suggestions? (photos)

Sutures, stitches and staples for lower Facelift?

3 days post op lower facelift and difficulty swallowing and breathing w/ tight band just above adam apple. Wait or go back in?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS