Is this be necrosis? (Photos)

That area is most likely just some residual scabbing near the incision site and should heal up quickly without negative consequences.  Good luck!

Hi kandy k,

Thank you for your question. It is difficult to tell from the picture whether you have an area of skin necrosis behind your ear. I would recommend you return to your surgeon's office for re-evaluation. Even if it turns out to be skin necrosis, the area can typically be medically management with a topical wound care regimen. While you wait to return to see your surgeon, you could consider applying Vaseline to the area 2-3 times daily and keeping the area covered with Vaseline gauze or please defer to your surgeon for specific instructions. 

HI kandy,  It is possible that you have a little bit of skin necrosis following your facelift.  You should call your PS and follow his/her recommendations on local wound care to take care of the problem. This area may have a  wider scar , but it located behind the ear where it is not too visible.   Also after several months, the scar can be revised , if necessary.Best.Dr. Christine Rodgers

Thank you for your pictures and questions. It does appear like the tip of the flap has developed some lack of blood flow and eventual necrosis. This will eventually all off and likely result in an underlying wound. The best way to treat this is with local wound care and allow it to heal on its own. It will likely result in a wider and more noticeable scar in this are but luckily, that area is well hidden. I would encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon at your next visit. Best of luck!

Thanks for your question and photos.  Yes, that may be an area of superficial skin necrosis but do not worry. This is very common and heals very well with good woundcare.  Please keep the area clean and moist with ointments.  Allow the area to heal and it will likely not be noticeable at all.  Best!

This is a scab over an area where you had poor blood flow - so a small area of necrosis.  This is a spot where it occurs most often.  Because of the location, once the scab falls off you should heal fine with minimal scarring.  It may be a little less pigmented, but will be hard to detect tucked behind the ear.   

you would be expected to have healed skin by now.  But the area of involvement is so small, it will go on to heal without any surgical intervention.  So is it necrosis?  Its possible but it shouldn't be anything you have to worry about.  And if really ruminating over this, contact your surgeon for a definitive explanation of what needs to be done and what to expect.

Thank you for the question and pictures.   Based on your pictures, this does look like skin necrosis.  Though not ideal, skin necrosis in this location is not as troublesome as in other areas.  This area should heal from the "inside out" over time.  You should really discuss this with your surgeon.  Good luck! 

Whether necrosis or a scab the area will heal with appropriate wound care so apply antibiotic ointment and be patient

Dr Corbin

Regardless whether you have necrosis or simply a scab, it will heal just fine with proper wound care.  I would recommend you use polysporin ointment and keep the area clean.  Check in with your surgeon so he can monitor your progress.