Treatment for seromas and scars in neck

[dbinmh]

Six months ago I had a mini face lift. I had a great deal of bleeding after surgery and extreme nausea. I had 10 cc of fluid/blood removed from a large pocket on my neck. Two months ago I needed a second surgery due to an unusual fold in my neck and some blisters and hard knots under the skin of my neck. Since that surgery I have been getting steroid injections into the hard knots/scars. I now have a depressed pocket, the size of a penny and several rock hard knots under the neck skin. I also have two medium-sized bulges at the bottom of my neck that seem to be filled with fluid. Earlier, many of the soft spots swelled up and had to be lanced so the fluid could be drained. I am concerned about this "elephant-man neck, and I am in constant pain. Can anything be done for me? My surgeon thinks my fibromyalgia is the cause of the over-active healing process. I will be grateful for any help.

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

Your problem is clearly the result of the hematoma/seroma that formed after surgery and the subsequent scarring .  The secondary surgery that was performed two months ago is now at the stage where there is additional underlying scarring.  Whether your fibromyalgia is a contributory factor is not necessarily relevant.  Additional surgery at this time would not likely help and may make things worse.  The same is true of additional steroid injections, which can result in fat atrophy.  The only logical treatment would be some form of external pressure garment (probably an enormous nuisance to wear) or just time (at least nine to twelve months from the date of your latest procedure).  At that time additional surgery might be reconsidered.

[dbinmh]

Thank you so much for answering my question regarding seromas and scarring.
Your advice is helpful, timely and appreciated. I definitely do not want more surgery and I have had too many steroid injections. (I have a large dent in my neck.) I will use pressure on my neck as you suggested. I actually feel less pain and I am more comfortable when I wear a chin strap and ace bandage. The pressure gives the throat support. I'm afraid I let panic set in, before giving the traumatized area time to heal.
Thank you for your wise advice and counseling.