Intense Puckering behind one ear after face lift. Redness and pain in ear.

Question

I am 5 days post operative after a facelift. All of my pain had subsided until tonight. My incision line goes into my ear and suddenly a point on my incision felt really sore . When I looked, it was quite red inflamed. Is it possible that I have the start of a infection and what can I do tonight until the office opens up in the am. On a side note: I had a considerably amount of skin puckering behind the same ear. Is this going to permanent? Thank you ever so much for your help.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Much of the "puckering" will resolve as the skin heals and remodels. The redness could be due to infection. However, in many cases that small piece of the incision around the ear canal can be traumatized during surgery and look discolored during the first week or so. To be sure followup with your plastic surgeon ASAP. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

The puckering you describe should subside over time.  However, it is best to maintain contact with your surgeon to address your concerns.

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello peaceheart, Thank you for your question.Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.If you are continuing to have redness following your surgery the worry is infection.  I would seek out an appointment with your surgeon to evaluate this area. The puckering is likely related to your short incision that I saw you posted from another question.  Much of this should flatten our over time.Best of luck, Dr.S

Suzanne Kim Doud Galli, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

You would be best served by having your surgeon take a look at your incision. If a wound infection is starting, it should be treated.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Although redness and slight pain are not unusual at 5 days post-op, the best thing for you to do is to see your doctor in the morning.  Puckering is not unusual, as there is swelling and the tissue is not lying flat.  See your surgeon, discuss your concerns and follow your doctors orders.

Intense Puckering behind one ear after face lift. Redness and pain in ear.

Answers (5)