Facelifts and Hematomas

Everyone has heard the old adage about “putting your best face forward.” This is particularly true for patients who opt to undergo a facelift cosmetic surgical procedure. They want to show off a fresh and rejuvenated face to the world. In light of this, patients may not be prepared for some of the possible side effects from a facelift procedure that may initially affect their looks. Bruising, swelling, and hematomas are just a few of these side effects. Although the first two side effects will subside within seven to 10 days following surgery, hematoma is a potential complication that can interfere with proper wound healing and skin rebuilding. Although a hematoma may just look to be a particularly dark bruise, it will require the immediate attention of the cosmetic surgeon.

What Is a Hematoma?

A hematoma is an area where the blood has pooled beneath the skin, yet outside the blood vessels. It will look like a very dark bruise. By comparison, simple bruising is caused by displacement of blood from the vessels under the skin. In general, bruises are much less serious than hematomas. One way to tell the difference between the two is that while a bruise may feel tender, it will not be hard to the touch. A hematoma may not necessarily feel tender, but it will feel hard to the touch.

How Should a Hematoma Be Treated?

Some hematomas may go away on their own, but others may require medical attention. One of the most common treatment methods is to insert a thin surgical needle into the hematoma in order to drain it. This is a very simple, almost painless procedure that can be done right in the doctor’s office. In almost all cases, the hematoma will not form again in the same location. If it does, this may be an indication of something more serious that will require further follow up.

Hematoma Risk Factors

Any sort of prescription, herbal, or over the counter medication that works to thin the blood may increase the chances of hematoma formation. Other risk factors include smoking, being male, or having a neck lift as part of the facelift procedure.

Reducing the Risk of Hematoma

Since most serious hematomas will form within the first 24 hours following surgery, perhaps the most important thing patients can do to reduce their risk is to severely limit their movement as much as possible. Avoid any strenuous activity, lifting anything over about five pounds, or straining. In addition, patients should wear any compressive bandage they have been given and take any anti-nausea medication they have been given, as vomiting may increase the risk of hematoma formation. Arnica montana tablets taken before and after surgery may also help reduce any bruising or hematoma formation.

It may be all too easy for patients to think that they should not bother their doctor if they are concerned about normal bruising. However, if there is a chance that a hematoma has formed, it should be brought to the surgeon’s attention as soon as possible.

Contact Crawford Plastic Surgery to schedule a facelift consultation.