Is there anything else I should be doing to help it heal quicker and get rid of the red? Will this be a permanent scar? (Photo)

Question

I had a neck lift 2 months ago and developed a seroma on my cheek. It was drained several times and also drained out on its own. There is no more drainage but it seems that the redness and indentations from the drain spots are not going away. My Dr only has me using new Gel

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your #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. In your situation, it is best to follow your doctor's post-op care instructions. Per their permission, you may also benefit from  supplements such as #bromelain or #arnica to assist in your healing, which you will need to confirm beforehand with your doctor.

Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to see that you had this complication after your neck lift.  A seroma can be a very difficult thing to manage and to get rid of, especially if it has matured and been around for a long time.  The good news is that you are saying that it is no longer draining.  What appears to have happened is the seroma got fairly large and stretched out some of your skin, possibly causing some skin death.  It appears that there may be some open areas remaining in your photo.  The main thing to do right now is to get the wound to completely heal over.  Honestly I would not be having you use silicone gel.  Right now wound care with some antibacterial soap a few times a day followed by a bit of antibiotic ointment with a small gauze covering it is what I would prescribe you.  However, I am not able to see your wound in person so please speak with your surgeon in detail.From the looks of this yes, you are looking at a permanent scar.  The redness will fade over time, and the scar should shrink in size, but you will likely always be able to tell it is there.  After about one year, you might inquire about scar revision, which is when your surgeon actually cuts out the scar and re-closes the wound in a controlled, neat fashion.  The best thing for you to do right now is be patient.  It is always difficult when a cosmetic surgery develops a problem, but I am sure your surgeon is closely following you and doing the right thing.  He or she will see this through.  Best of luck!

Is there anything else I should be doing to help it heal quicker and get rid of the red? Will this be a permanent scar? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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Is there anything else I should be doing to help it heal quicker and get rid of the red? Will this be a permanent scar? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Neck Lift

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