Rope Like Cord Around Neck After Lower Facelift, Will It Go Away? (photo)

Question

When drains were pulled side of neck ballooned up. Other swelling reduced, but distinct cords not dissipating. Doc drained a little out at day 2, no improvement since. Not concerned about tightness/swelling just 8 days post-op but worry tissues may not normalize. When the nurse pulled the drains she might as well have yanked them out. Should be slight pressure against the drain as it is pulled? I feel as if a pocket was created when she pulled the drains. Using cool/warm compresses/band.

Sam Speron, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes.  The artifact effect of the drain typically goes away after 3 weeks or so.  Your surgeon should know that the nurse pulled the drain without properly stabilizing the skin.  Your input may save someone else from that type of treatment.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

When a drain is removed after a facelift, a potential space remains. This area sometimes fills with a small amount of blood, representing a localized hematoma. Regardless, this finding is likely to resolve over the next few weeks. Sometimes needle aspiration is required, sometimes not.

Robert L. Steely, MD, FACS · Answer

good afternoon!

	 

	it does appear that you may have a localized hematoma in your neck.  if it has been 8 days, the blood has coagulated into a mass that is difficult to aspirate, it is a solid.  In another couple of days it will return to a liquid state where is can be removed with a needle puncture.

	It may take more than one session to treat this thankfully rare occurrence after a necklift surgery.

	I hope this helps

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

there can be many reasons..  if there is no fluid collection then  masage,,  and time and possible injections with 5fu and or kenalog  can be helpful...  ask your doctor.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It looks like from your photos that it is possibly fluid and swelling that are contributing to your appearance. Best to see your surgeon.

Rope Like Cord Around Neck After Lower Facelift, Will It Go Away? (photo)

Answers (7)