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

Question

I'm told this is extremely rare and I can't find much information online about the outcome. I would be interested to hear from any surgeons who managed this. What steps did you take? How long did it take to resolve? Please give plenty of detail in your answers - exact timings, numbers, etc.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

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.

Pasha Mostofi, MD, DMD · Answer

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!

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

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.

Michal Brichacek, MD · Answer

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.

William Townley, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

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!

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Salivary Leak

Answer: Salivary Leak

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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

Answers (10)

Answer: Salivary Leak

Answer: Salivary Leak

Answer: Seroma

Answer: Seroma

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.