Had facelift on 21st December had a seroma on my left side of neck. Is this normal? (photo)

Of the two issues you describe, the facial paresis is the more concerning.  However, when such a facial weakness occurs, spontaneous resolution is the normal outcome. It appears as if the facial paresis was progressive, which is unusual. Close follow up and ocular lubrication are necessary at this point.  Your Surgeon may consider anti-virals and oral steroids in the near future.

Thank you for the question and the photos. It looks like two separate issues. First, you had a fluid collection. This was most likely from the salivary gland (parotid or submandibular) and seems to be resolving. The second is more serious -- it appears that a branch or two of your facial nerve has been injured. This is why your facial movement is off. Please seek second opinions in your area and look for a surgeon with expertise in facial nerve injury. Best of luck!

This outcome is not ideal but the complications which you have experienced fall under  possible complications which can occur with any surgeon.  Your seroma was drained appropriately and is no longer much of an issue.  Your facial nerve has been affected with multiple branches impaired.  I don't know how your surgery was performed, but your doctor seems to have taken some action by releasing the internal suture to relieve nerve compression.  Follow up with your doctor.  It seems as if appropriate action has been taken.  It will take time to heal.

Hi there, 
It seems that you have accumulated fluid under your skin that will need to be drained. If your salivary gland has been the source of the fluid, then eating a bland diet that does not contain any 'sialagogues' will help. Sialogogues are foods or medications that promote salivary production. You can look up diets that are less likely to promote saliva production. Your plastic surgeon should see you regularly to help manage this. For the drooping face and trouble speaking, this is likely related to the nerve function, which comes back with time. This is most certainly a discussion you need to have with your plastic surgeon as soon as you can. I hope this helps. 
Phillip Dauwe, M.D.

Thanks for the question and sharing your photos. Based on your photos, it appears that you have a seroma on the left side which is a benign condition with an inflammatory fluid collection, or it could be a sialocele which is a collection of saliva resulting from unintentional surgical manipulation of the submandibular salivary gland. Among the two concerns stated in your question, paresis of the face is the more worrying. The usual course of such loss of sensations is self-limiting, not requiring any specific treatment. I would advise you to consult your plastic surgeon and have a detailed personalized evaluation for your post-surgery concerns.I hope this helps.

Based on the photo, you do seem to have seroma on the left side. This would need to be drained by your surgeon. The facial nerve may also have been damaged due to the surgery. Nerves can usually regenerate depending n the severity of the injury. Have your surgeon check this and intervene as soon as possible.

I’m sorry about this complication. It appears as though you had a seroma or sialocele, both of which require intervention. In addition, your left facial nerve is weak and this should be addressed by your surgeon. Usually this will resolve with time on its own, but it should be followed closely. Good luck! 

louie010,Thanks for your question and pictures.  You seem to have had two complications of facelift surgery, a sialocele (salivary fluid collection in the neck) as well as facial nerve injury/weakness.  As you have multiple issues related to a complicated surgery, it is difficult to know exactly what is happening and why/where.  Discussing your outcome and post-operative course with your surgeon is likely best, as he  is the one that knows exactly what was done and where/how.Summit Kundaria

Dear louie010:Thank you for sharing your photos. They are helpful. The progressive facial asymmetry and droop are not normal. I do not wish to be an alarmist but you need immediate evaluation to see what is going on with your facial laxity. Seek help from your surgeon, neurologist and / or Emergency Department.The first 2 photos appear like a well done face and lower eyelid lift. In the 3rd photo, there is weakness along the lateral lip.  Subsequent pictures show further weakness on your left face. You also mention difficulty with speech. If the timing sequence is correct, there has been a facial palsy or progressive weakness from a stroke which appears to have occurred following your facial surgery.  I do not visualize the seroma or parotid concerns you raise. You do mention a paralysis and this appears from your lower eyelid to the chin. I certainly wish for your full recovery and hope you will seek attention as soon as possible!

Look like you have a seroma (inflammatory fluid collection) on the left side or a collection of saliva (sialocele) if you submandibular gland was tempered with.  Also, you left marginal mandibular nerve maybe spasm.  Most of the time, it comes back.  Have you gone back to your surgeon?  Thank you