Can air get trapped inside scalp after hairline lowering procedure?

Question

On 9/10 I had my hairline lowered.Surgery went well. 2 days after surgery I noticed that when I would run my fingers at the crown of my scalp I could hear a crackling sound,like crepitus or a small space of air.My surgeon said he had never had a pt experience this before and didnt think its concerning. No redness,drainage,discoloration,no aches or fevers.The area is about 2inx3in some tenderness along the crown of my head. Does this sound concerning? Ever seen this before? What should I do?

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your recent forehead surgery. Crackling, crepitus, and all-around discomfort is very common the 1-2 weeks after brow lift or forehead surgery. The fluid will eventually reabsorb back into the body. If strenuous activities aggravate you, it may be a good idea to take it easy.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson G. Richards, MD

Arthur Dean Jabs, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

The short answer is no, it is not something you should be worried about. In fact I am sure it went away in the first week. It is a function of the local injection and the surgery itself. Hope you have healed well.Dr. JA. Dean Jabs M.D., Ph.D.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonBethesda MD/McLean VA

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

It is certainly possible to have trapped air beneath the scalp that would present as you inidcated. This should spontaneously resolve in the first few weeks and is not dangerous. I would agree with your surgeon that this is not concerning as you do not have redness,drainage,discoloration, and no aches or fevers.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  This is not uncommon, and usually represents some post-op swelling and fluid.  Any air, if present, is minimal.  It typically goes away over about 1-2 weeks.All the best for your recovery!

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

This is not unusual and represents a small amount of fluid under the scalp rather than air. This will go completely away in a few weeks as the fluid os absorbed and the scalp sticks back down to the bone.

Can air get trapped inside scalp after hairline lowering procedure?

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