Why Would I Be Draining Light Pink Serous Fluid From Behind Left Ear 2 Weeks Post-Op Lower Face Lift?

Question

I still have light draining of a light pink tinged serous fluid behind my left ear following lower face lift 17 days ago any thoughts on reason

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Drainage can occur for a number of reasons. You may have a seroma (a fluid filled sack that can form in post-op wound beds), hematoma, suture granuloma, or an infection. It would be a bit surprising to have a hematoma or seroma 2 weeks after surgery. You may have a suture granuloma which is an area of inflammation around a slowly dissolving suture. A small amount of drainage is rarely consequential however, I would follow up with your surgeon to ensure that it does not need further attention.

Laxmeesh Mike Nayak, MD · Answer

Pink, clear fluid drainage from behind your ear after a facelift can be a nuisance! Almost every time, this is slow healing of an incision line in a generally "moist" area where skin meets skin, and moisture accumulates. I have seen this on occasion, and it resolves completely with close follow up and appropriate wound care.

	 

	Good luck!

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

You may have a seroma which is a collection of fluid under the skin. See your doctor about this.

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

While serous drainage 2 weeks after a facelift is not the normal course, it is not cause for alarm, per se. Drains are not placed routinely after a lower face lift and there is the possibility that a collection of blood was present after your procedure. You would be best served by having your surgeon evaluate the area to determine if you require aspiration of fluid.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

The drainage from behind the ear after a face lift can be wound seperation, seroma, hematoma reolving, remotely infection. See your plastic surgeon and discuss your concerns

Richard Galitz, MD, FACS (in memoriam) · Answer

We occasionally see some patients with extended sero-sanguinous fluid drainage for extended periods after a facelift. This is probably a tissue trauma related reaction. The basic treatment is light compressive dressings and periodic drainage as needed. The problem should eventually dissappear.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The serous drainage behind your ear 17 days after a facelift could be secondary to a suture reaction an open wound, a resolving post-op hematoma, or a low grade superficial infection. None of thes are serious problems, but schedule an appointment with your surgeon.

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

You might be spitting a stitch in the area.  In any case, it's probably best to have your Face lift surgeon take a look.

Why Would I Be Draining Light Pink Serous Fluid From Behind Left Ear 2 Weeks Post-Op Lower Face Lift?

Answers (8)

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