I am 3 weeks post op and have a hard lump on my cheek and on my neck. What is it? (Photo)

Yes it looks bad.  However, these things can develop in healing from a face lift.  You surgeon wil have maneuvers to help this settle down.  I recommend you see your surgeon and get their input.  Please consider reposting and letting us know how you did.

it appears to be scar tissue, however, hard to tell unless its examined in person. The good news is that you are only 3 weeks from surgery, so areas are still healing and improving.   I suggest you follow up with you surgeon to evaluate and treat this further. 

I recommend you talk about the issue with your surgeon.  They will be able to evaluate it better in person, and perhaps do something to make it go away (drain a fluid pocket, for example).Best,Dr. Michael EpsteinMAE Plastic SurgeryNorthbrook, IL

Hello,

This might either be a seroma or a haematome. If it doesn't get infected, it wouldn't need any further treatment and is likely to resolve on its own. In either case, I would wait for about 6 months first prior to considering further treatments.

Thank you for the photos. I agree with the others that this is not a common issue. In my experience, these lumps are frequently either a small fluid collection or a solidified hematoma (blood or bruising). If so, this can be drained with a needle. Regardless, you should see your surgeon for a follow up visit. Take care and best of luck.

I would recommend you see your surgeon and have them evaluate this. These lumps are uncommon, but usually go away on their own. If there is fluid in the lump, this can be removed with a syringe. If not, I'd massage and wait. If firmness persists, a dilute steroid injection may be necessary, but I would personally wait until you are out two months since most will go away on their own.Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa Aesthetic Centers

The healing process in general can take up to one month for the majority of swelling to subside, incisions to close, sutures to come out, and for bruising to completely go away. #Recovery time from a #facelift varies from person to person, but patients can generally expect to be presentable within three weeks from surgery. Patients should expect swelling, bruising, and discoloration of the skin during this phase of recovery (swelling normally goes down after 48 hours; most bruising will go away within two weeks). Some degree of firmness or lumpiness under the skin is normal after surgery and will resolve with time. Local #massage of the areas may accelerate the resolution of this problem, which normally takes 2-4 months to disappear completely.The marks from a facelift can easily hidden with “camouflage” make-up which you can learn how to apply. The scars from a facelift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the facelift will become apparent and the real result will be seen. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Be encouraged. Lumps this early during recovery usually go away on their own. 

They can be caused by small amounts of fluid or tissue reaction. Your doctor will be 

the person to check them and determine if aspiration may help. Small clots should dissolve. 

Give it time  and follow your doctor's instructions. Best wishes.

Without examining you in person, impossible to say, but you definitely need to have this examined in person by your surgeon. Just to be safe. Best of luck.

Irregularities can occur and take time to settle. Hardened lumps may be scar tissue and often improve with massage. It depends a little on what the cause of the lump is and what has been done. I would see your PS for advice.