Is bleeding at stitches site behind ear normal after lower face lift?

Question

I am 11 days post op of a lower face and neck lift. i have some bleeding behind one ear where the stitches were removed. Is this of any concern?

Paul Lanfranchi, DO, FAOCOO · Answer

Mild oozing is quite common after suture removal (especially behind the ears).  Usually this lasts 1-2 days and resolves on its own without treatment.  It is a good idea to keep the area clean and perhaps place a small amount of antibiotic ointment on the area for a few days.  Sometimes the skin can separate behind the ear (due to tension) and, if small, can be left alone to heal on its own.  In either case, I would advise to give it no more than two days to resolve on its own.  If it doesn't please contact your plastic surgeon for follow up.

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

It's common to get a few drops of blood behind the ear after sutures are removed following a facelift. If, however, you notice a lump or mass that wasn't there before, or the skin has separated, that is something that may require more immediate attention. Best bet is to contact your surgeon to be seen.

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

If you feel a nodule at the area of concern then you need to see your doctor to have the hematoma drained. But if just bruising, then there should be fine and there is no issue. Still if you feel that you need to see your doctor, and that makes you feel more comfortable, your surgeon should be acceseable to you and he or she should be happy to see you to put you at ease.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is not unusual to have a small amount of bleeding at the site of suture removal after a lower facelift.  The bleeding should not be extreme however.  Normally, it would just be a small amount that can be dabbed dry.  If you are having continued bleeding at the site, you should call your surgeon.

Jacques Haddad, MD · Answer

facelift is an important procedure,it is associated with a lot of swelling and tension on the scar.the tension behind the ears after a facelift can be of good amount.the fold behind the ear cause shearing effect and promote for some skin opening.all of those issues can explain bleeding behind the ear even 2 weeks after surgery.

Gustavo A. Diaz, MD · Answer

I would recommend to seek the advice of your surgeon. He needs to take a look at what is going on behind that ear. Sometimes sutures lines could open up and be a source of bleeding. I think that the best is to get the checked out.Hope this helps,Dr. Gustavo A. Diaz

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Karen, On occasions when a suture or clip is removed you may have some slight bleeding from the area. This bleeding typically trickles down and is blotted with a gauze and stops within the first five minutes. If you have any continued bleeding then this needs to be addressed with your surgeon. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

An exam is needed to determine the cause of the bleeding.  You may have pulled the incision apart.  Contact your surgeon for an evaluation.  Best wishes!

Is bleeding at stitches site behind ear normal after lower face lift?

Answers (8)

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