Facelift wound will not heal. What can I do? (Photo)

Question

7 months post DP lower facelift. Developed a seroma 2 weeks post op. The skin at the seroma site broke down. The wound has decreased in size but has never healed. My PS has investigated twice but no sign of irritating stitches. Antibiotic and steroid creams unsuccessful. Occasionally the scab falls off and the skin underneath looks healed, only for it to break down within a day or so. Photos attached show the development of this wound. Please advise.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

That should have healed in by 7 months. There could be a deep stitch preventing it from closing. I think you need a more aggressive approach is indicated with mire aggressive debridement to remove any dead tissue or  foreign substance like a stitch.

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

After 8 months I'd be concerned there is something else going on prohibiting wound healing. Other things to consider are retained foreign body (stitch), skin cancer, chronic low grade infection and salivary fistula/drainage. Biopsy, wound cultures or evaluation of any drainage for saliva proteins can be performed to investigate further. Additionally, if the wound is scabbing and crusting it is possible you may not be caring for the wound appropriately. Often, we use antibiotic ointment and a semi-occlusive dressing (such as Adaptec) to keep the wound moist and allow for the serous drainage to escape. We usually don't want to see crusting as the scab will prevent the skin from healing underneath.

Facelift wound will not heal. What can I do? (Photo)

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Facelift wound will not heal. What can I do? (Photo)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Deep Plane Facelift

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