Have you ever had a facelift patient get a seroma after surgery? (Photo)

Facelift Seromas are rarely as large as yours. Treatment would involve aspiration every few days. If it doesn’t resolve that way a small drain can be placed through the incision

Seromas are quite rare after facelift but if they do occur, the best treatment is to surgically drain it and excise the scar tissue that forms around it.

Hi there. While hematomas (pooling of blood) or seromas (pooling of fluid) are a rare complications of facelift surgery (~15%, but different studies present different ranges) its important to keep in mind that just because a certain complication has a low chance of occurring, it doesn't mean it can't happen to you or anyone who undergoes this surgery. When hematomas or seromas due occur, they are normally drained chairside (in the office) with a needle or catheter (this is called an aspiration) and a pressure dressing is applied to decrease the chances of re-occurrence. The reality, however, is that hematomas or seromas sometimes require multiple aspirations until they resolve. Fortunately, they are easily manageable my your surgeon if addressed in a timely manner. Hope this helps!

Seromas are not common, probably occurring in 1-2% of facelifts depending on the Surgeon. These are usually delayed, occurring 5-7 days after surgery, and usually require placement of a drain to prevent recollection. Whether or not this represents a seroma, or something else, cannot by determined based on the photo alone.

To me this looks like it could be a salivary leak rather than a seroma. If that is the case, it is more complex issue than a seroma. I would recommend seeing your surgeon.

Hi there. A seroma is a recognised complication from any facial surgery. It is more common after neck lift due to an abundance of lymph nodes under the jaw. It is usually self limiting and can easily be drained in clinic through aspiration. Sometimes 2 or more aspirations are required until it dries up. Good luck!

Seroma is relatively frequent complication of face/neck lift surgery, possibly affecting 1-2 % patients. Removal by means aspiration with a needle is usually needed. Duration of few days to few weeks can be expected. However, location of fluid collection visible on your photo may suggest salivary gland fistula as a result of injury of parotid gland? Treatment with frequent aspirations, pressure, injection of Botox, Scopolamin patch and food without spices is usually very successful. Hope this helps

These can usually be aspirated percutaneously, my take multiple aspirations. The seroma, possible hematoma, may need to have a drain placed to ultimately correct the problem. The drain will suck down the overlying skin and allow the skin to reattach and stop the seroma from reoccurring. It is correctible over variable time frame.
Your surgeon can give a more in depth recommendation.

Not common at all.

Hematoma: Yes. Seroma: No

This is more likely a salivary gland leak.

Drain and time, avoid spicy sour stimulating foods.

Easy to test the fluid for amylase to confirm.

Some plastic surgeons use drains to absorb fluid during the first 48 hours after facelift surgery to minimize the chance of this happening.
Seroma formation is not common after facelift surgery. Hematoma is far more common.
Personally, I would drain this in the office consider putting in a drain or possibly removing one suture to allow the fluid to drain.
The fluid should be drained as soon as possible.
If it returns, it should be drained on a daily basis or a drain should be inserted.
I would not wait on managing the this.
What kind of facelift did you have? I’m guessing based on the shape of the fluid collection. You had some mini version of a facelift.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD