Bruising is very common with cosmetic surgery and not considered a complication with plastic surgery. I advise my Maryland face lift surgery patients to expect some degree of bruising and swelling after surgery. Skin bruising may even occur with non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as lip enhancement or Botox® wrinkle treatment.
On the other hand, a hematoma is a collection of blood under the skin which should normally be drained. Small blood collections can be observed and will be absorbed by the body. Hematoma is the most common complication with face lift surgery, with an overall estimated incidence of less than 5%. Most hematomas occur within 24 hours after the face lift surgery, but may occur several days afterward too. To help prevent bruising or hematoma, plastic surgeons advise their patients to limit strenuous activity for the early recovery period.
Risks for Facelift Bruising
The most significant risk factors for bleeding with face and neck lift surgery are the following:
- platsymaplasty or neck surgery, as part of the face lift
- hypertension or high blood pressure
- men
- blood thinners, including herbal medication, ibuprofen, aspirin, and similar medications
- smoking
While a surgeon’s face plastic surgery experience plays a role, it is not as important risk factor as those outlined above. The best face lift surgeons in the world still get hematomas despite meticulous surgery. Fortunately, most hematomas are easily managed by your facelift surgeon and generally don’t develop into long-term problems.
Reducing Facelift Bruising
The following may help reduce the chance of developing bruising or a hematoma:
- wear your gentle compressive dressing & elastic strap
- take arnica montana tablets before and after your procedure
- minimize pain & nausea after surgery
- avoid smoking before and after surgery
- avoid blood thinners, including herbal medications or teas
Lastly, by following the strict cosmetic surgery care instructions of your plastic surgeon. You can help reduce the chance you will develop a hematoma after your cosmetic surgery.
Share your thoughts below.
I am six days post op for a facelift and have a big hematoma on one side
Thank you visiting our website and reading the blog. Patients should be in close communication with their plastic surgeon in the early recovery after cosmetic surgery, such as facelift, neck lift, and eyelid surgery. We provide our surgery patients easy and direct access to the physician in this initial healing period.
How did your hematoma get better? How long did it take to go down?
Thank you for your question and reading the blog. Every patient is unique, but most bruising and swelling resolves within the first week or so. Small blood collections can be observed and will be absorbed gradually over time. Patients should stay in close communication with their facelift surgeon before and after cosmetic surgery.
Best,
Dr. Chaboki
I was 12 days post facelift and suddenly developed a hematoma on my left eye. I have previously has many sinius surgeries. Would this be a factor.
Thank you for reading the blog!
Hematomas are uncommon after facial cosmetic surgery, such as a facelift or neck lift. However, every patient is unique and certain medical conditions may predispose one to bruising or hematoma with plastic surgery. It’s important to share all health information, including prior surgeries, with the facelift surgeon to help promote an uneventful procedure. All patients must also stay in close communication with their surgeon.
Read more about healing after plastic surgery in our blog, which includes helpful information for facelift and neck lift patients.
Best,
Dr. Chaboki