What is this lump on my neck following a neck lift? Had neck lift on May 29th. (photos)

Question

I had a neck lift May 29th 2018 and I have noticed a lump on my neck that is becoming more prominent. I did ask my Dr at the post op 9/28/18 and he said it looks like a lymph node. I dont think it is a lymph node because it feels more superficial (it's not deep) and its soft and squishy. Any idea of what it could be and what to do about it?

Yannis Alexandrides, MD, FACS · Answer

This represents a soft tissue lump that could be a lymph node as your surgeon suggested, or it could be something else such as: a cyst, something related to your surgeon such as a collection of fluid, scar tissue forming or a suture abscess.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

The photo shows a  lump that needs to be evaluated immediately by your Surgeon.  This is outside of the field of dissection for a necklift and is probably unrelated, but requires investigation.  This could be an innocuous cyst or something more concerning.

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Most likely is a lif node but  is a condition that need to be follow is very possible if  it continues growing that removing and biopsy is necessary

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell from  your picture. I recommend following up with your surgeon for a formal evaluation. To improve your final results a combination approach with thermage/venus legacy and Kybella/Ultherapy. I recommend getting a formal consultation with an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

This seems to be too low for the typical neck and facelift dissection to be due to a surgical maneuver.  My guess without examining you and based on the fact that you are now 4 months post op would be that this is a lymph node.  It might require excision but it is probably not due to any maneuver from your surgery.

Alicia Sigler, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It does look like a swollen gland. Is it painful or tender to the touch? If it swells any further or does not subside soon, please consult with your doctor again. Hope you feel better soon!

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

There are many possibilities for a lump in the neck after a neck lift.  It is important to remember that a lump can pop up anywhere at any time.  Therefore it is important to have a broad differential diagnosis of what a lump could be.  Possibilities include, scar tissue, fluid build up: blood, serous, lymph or other.  This also could be a hypertrophic or inflamed lymph node.  Generally a lymph node would improve over time but sometimes they do not and would need to be excised. Fatty tissue such as a lipoma can also occur in the neck.  A physical exam will help to determine what the lump may represent.  If the lump does not improve than excision will determine what the exact diagnosis by the pathologist.

What is this lump on my neck following a neck lift? Had neck lift on May 29th. (photos)

Answers (7)

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