My facelift wounds won't heal, what do I do? (Photo)

Question

I am now four months post op and my wounds each side will not heal. They are painful weeping and I have Ben applying anti biotic cream for weeks now. I cannot sleep on the sides of my face. Is there anything I can do.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the photo and your question. In most of these cases, the issue is a "foreign body reaction" that is keeping the incision open. Most often, this is a remnant of a suture. Occasionally it is an ingrown hair. Please visit with your surgeon to have a closer look. Also, as a side note, topical antibiotic ointments can prevent wound healing with prolonged or aggressive application. Please avoid this. Rather, chose a gentle moisturizer or Aquaphor. Take care!

Ali Riza Öreroglu, MD · Answer

Hi,
The wound you have pictures is a chronic wound that should be treated. The cause could be infection, suture reaction, disease causing wound healing disorder (such as diabetes), malnutrition etc
I advice you visit a professional.
Dr. Ali Rıza Öreroğlu MD, FEBOPRASDouble Board Certified Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic SurgeonIstanbul - TURKEY

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

First determine with your surgeon if there is a suture present. Generally sutures do not cause these. You may not be aware that you are causing any trauma to this site. However any manipulation of this delicate tissue can delay healing. Try to make a pact with yourself that no matter what, you will not manipulate the area. Keeping it hydrated with Vaseline is also helpful. If you can’t do this on your own, there is a medication dermatologists prescribe folks who have a tendency to breakdown skin by self-scratching that can be helpful.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

First off, are you smoking? If not, you likely have something in the wound preventing it from healing. Has one of the deep sutures become exposed? If so, you should see your doctor about getting it removed.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

The most likely explanation is a suture that has become exposed with colonization with bacteria.  The wound needs to be explored and the suture or other foreign material removed.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with healing after facelift surgery.  You appear to have a suture granuloma.   You should see your surgeon.  You may require incision and removal of a deep  stitch below the skin. .

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

It might be caused by many factors, including delayed healing, smoking, or over tight skin. Based on the photo it doesn't seem t be infected. Follow up with your surgeon for medication. Always keep the wound clean an dry to prevent infection.

Babar Sultan, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thank you for your question.  This likely represents a granuloma.  Granulomas or inflammatory tissues require a source of stimulation, in your case, likely a deep suture.  Your wound should be probed as well as cultured.

All the best!Babar Sultan MD

David M. Deisher, MD (retired) · Answer

thank you for your question.  Wounds that do not heal after a reasonable amount of time usually have an underlying source such as infected suture or hair follicles trying to grow through.  If you are a smoker you definitely need to stop completely no nicotine from any source.  You should follow up with your surgeon on a weekly basis and may need to have that area excised in the office to remove any infected sutures.  Good luck.

My facelift wounds won't heal, what do I do? (Photo)

Answers (9)